Robert John Rodehaver

Robert John “Rody” Rodehaver passed away on 15 November 2017 after a long and rewarding life. He was much beloved and will be greatly missed. Rody was born in Wausau Wisconsin on Christmas Day 1928 to Leroy and Sarah Rodehaver. He served in the military from 1952 through 1954, stationed in Karlsruhe Germany where he was involved in U.S. Government rebuilding efforts in the small German town of Weingarten. There he met his future wife Connie Ann Ruessel, who was serving as translator for Weingarten’s mayor.

Rody returned to the U.S. and received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison 1956. During his college years he saved enough money to have Connie visit him in the US, where they were later wed. After graduating, he spent 1956 through 1959 with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Rock Island, Illinois, where his son Mitchell was born. In 1959 Rody returned to Germany with his family where he working as a Resident Engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers at Hahn Air Base, Germany. This is where his son Thomas was born.

Rody spent the remainder of his career in Germany as a civil servant working for the Corps in Stuttgart, Heidelberg and finally at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Europe Division Head Quarters in Frankfurt. There he served as the Area Engineer Commander with offices in Berlin, Giessen, Bad Kreuznach, Baumholder, Wiesbaden, Heidelberg, Kaiserslautern, as well as sites in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Rody received numerous commendations throughout his career as a high-ranking supervisor with the Corps of Engineers Europe Division for Outstanding Performance of Duties during his long civil service career. In addition, he was the recipient of the Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. He was told by Brigadier General Witherspoon that "the devotion to duty and country that you have shown throughout your career will always remain an example for all to emulate."

Rody took great satisfaction in his professional career and kept in touch with those closest to him for many years. He retired to Boulder, Colorado in 1992 where he designed and oversaw the construction of the family’s new home. Rody and his wife Connie joined a wine tasting club, a newcomers group, and the local international club where they made lasting friendships.

Rody was an avid skier throughout his life and enjoyed both golf and tennis. He traveled extensively with his family in Europe, Asia, and the United States. He will be remembered for his love and guidance to his children, spouses and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Connie and his second wife Winnie. Rody had two brothers, both deceased; also two nieces and two nephews. Rody is survived by sons Mitchell and Thomas and their wives, stepson Michael, step grandson Max and granddaughter Esmé.

Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.