Douglas Dean Rodenbeck

Douglas Dean Rodenbeck was born on March 21, 1944, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a son of the late Oscar F. Rodenbeck and Delores L. Rodenbeck. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Martha; son, Douglas David (Susan); and grandchildren, Emily and Joshua.

Doug was a freelance writer in newspapers and magazines, wildly known for his work in community service. He and Martha were foster and adoptive parents. He was a volunteer mentor for over 30 years at the Gateway Woods Children’s Home. He was a volunteer fireman for 48 years with Washington Township and civil defense. Widely known as "Fireman Doug", he put on fire prevention programs to thousands of children each year.

Doug was on the board of delegates for the Lutheran Foundation for five years. On the board of directors of the Red Cross in Fort Wayne as chairman of services to military families and veterans. Elected twice as trustee of Washington Township and seven times as township board member. Served three times as chairman of the board of the Northeast Region Burn Counsel.

Lions Club member for 50 years, five years as state Leo chairman, two years as international Leo advisory panel. Board of trustees of the Lake James Lutheran Chapel. Doug was also served as chairman of the school board appointment committee when Fort Wayne Community Schools had an appointment from the township. Among the many awards he received the Jefferson award and the Channel 15 Who Cares Award. Governor Frank O'Bannon of Indiana awarded him the Sagamore of the Wabash and Governor Andy Basheer of Kentucky made him a Kentucky Colonel. Doug is the recipient of two Melvin Jones Fellowships, was presented the Marc Mueller award for the top fire prevention officer in the nation. In 2012, he went to the White House where he was awarded by President Barack Obama an award for the Champion of Change. In 2000, Concordia Lutheran High School presented him with the distinguished alumni for lifetime achievement award and the Salvation Army presented him with a legacy of services award for 60 years with the bell ringer program the state’s highest honor.

Family and friends gathered on Monday, December 8, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Knoxville, Tennessee with a visitation from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with a memorial service following, Pastor Ed Maanum officiated.

Family and friends in Fort Wayne will gather on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6318 West California Road, Fort Wayne at 10:00 am for a visitation with the service starting at 11:00 am. Visitation will also be from 6:00 pm to 8pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. The interment will follow the funeral service at Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne.

In leu of flowers, please make donations to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).