William Allen Rodman

William (Bill) Rodman died the way he lived – surrounded by family. His passion for family was evident in every aspect of his life. Sunday dinners were a cherished tradition, family vacations created lasting memories, and fishing trips with his grandchildren on his boat across Colorado were moments of joy. Bill's love for raising animals and growing green chile on the farm, his enthusiasm for garden railroading, and his fascination with aviation were passions he shared with those he loved.

Bill Rodman, 85, of Ft Collins, CO, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025. He was born on December 29, 1939, in Rochester, NY, to Louis and Bessie Rodman. He grew up in Rochester with his brothers and sisters and spent a great deal of time at the Finger lakes near Rochester. He ventured to California when he was 17 to go to college. Bill met the love of his life, Dorothy Garcia, in Southern California, and they were married on October 8, 1960. Their marriage of 64 years was a testament to enduring love and partnership.

Bill graduated from Northrop Aeronautical Institute in Inglewood, CA, in 1960 as an aeronautical engineer. He worked in Southern California for several companies from 1960 to 1971. Notable projects included testing the fuel line for the Saturn V rocket and contributing to the design of the F-1 engine. He was an integral member of the Apollo and stealth engineering teams. He designed major sections of the DC-10, an industry legacy which continued to be incorporated into its latter aviation progeny, the iconic MD-11. Bill always had a wealth of historical knowledge and magnetic personal stories, which brought his aviation adventures to life. After the Apollo missions, job opportunities in the aerospace industry dwindled, prompting Bill to move his family to Colorado. There, he worked at Monfort, eventually becoming the plant engineer. Later, he founded his own company, providing OSHA training to industrial clients.

Bill was an active member of the Northern Colorado Garden Railroad and had an expansive garden railroad at his home in Greeley. He and Dorothy traveled across the United States to attend garden railroading shows and hosted several at their farm in Greeley.

Bill's greatest legacy was his role as a father to his daughters and a grandfather to nine grandchildren. He taught them how to ski, fish, and supported them in all their endeavors, cheering them on at their events.

Bill was blessed with five daughters, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is survived by his daughters Roxanne Prather (Don, deceased), Jennifer Uhland (Jeff), Lisa Spight (Doug), and Maria Crower (Mark). He was predeceased by his daughter Amy and his beloved wife, Dorothy.

Bill Rodman leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and passion. His life was a testament to the importance of family, hard work, and pursuing one's passions. He will be remembered for his unwavering support, his infectious enthusiasm, and the countless memories he created with those he loved. Bill's spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

A funeral service will be held at Christ Community Church on July 14th at 2