Rev. Rodney C. Willeke, 92, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away at Lutheran Life Villages on Friday, October 23, 2026. He was born in rural Hardin County near Dola, Ohio on November 4, 1933, to the late Richard and Ida (Affeldt) Willeke. On June 25, 1960 he married Marjorie Anderson, she survives.
After graduation from Dola High School in 1951, Rodney went on to Capital University graduating in 1955 and the Theological Seminary in 1959. He was ordained as a Lutheran Pastor on June 7, 1959. Serving in Indianapolis for 15 years, and St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Ossian for 25 years. He retired in 1998.
He is also survived by his two sons, Steve (Carolyn) Willeke of Indianapolis, IN and Thomas (Jodi) Willeke of Decatur, IN; five grandchildren, Kyle Butts, Sarah Butts, Steven Willeke, Michael Willeke, and Joshua Willeke; one great-grandchild due in November; and brothers, Richard, Willeke of Interlochen, MI and Harold Willeke, Dola, OH. Rodney was also preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Kessor; sons-in-law, Joseph Kessor and Jeff Butts; sister-in-law, Connee Willeke.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 729 West Washington Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at the Church. Burial to follow the service at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries or St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.
