Rod John Brester

Feb. 03, 1931-February 05, 2022

Rodney (Rod) Brester, 91, passed

away February 5,2022 peacefully

at his home in Gresham.

He was born February

3rd, 1931 in Crofton Nebraska to

Herman Brester and Gertrude (Eickoff)

Brester and was raised with three

siblings.

He married Caroline Rose on August

3rd 1954 and together they raised two

daughters. They moved from Nebraska

to Springfield, Oregon in 1955 and then settled

in Gresham in 1966.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather,

always willing to listen and or give advice

as needed. His gruffness was a cover for a kind and

caring heart. His grandchildren, with love, nicknamed him

Grump!

Rod worked for Multnomah County

Corrections and retired in June of 1993. He was Chief of

Police of Gresham Oregon from 1966 -1975.

He joined the Springfield Police Department in

1956 and left Springfield Police department

as Sergeant in 1966. After High School graduation

in 1948, he joined the Navy. He was a member of

St Henrys Catholic Church for over 50 years.

Rods passion was collecting neon signs,

gas station memorabilia and ink pens. He had

an open garage door policy, and enjoyed showing

his collections to everyone. He made

many new friends. People came from all over

the United States and as far away as Switzerland to see his collections.

In his later years he enjoyed driving his wheelchair

up and down the road, looking for treasures.

From his garage he enjoyed watching and waving to

the people going by.

He is proceeded in death by his Parents, wife Caroline,

Brother Elwyn, and Son in law George.

He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl (Jeff) and Mary (Bob),

four Grandchildren, Sean (Cassie), Greg (Valarie), Geoffrey, Jennifer,

six Great grandchildren, Dahlia, Emily, Kaleb, Gabriel, Joselynne ,and Jaxon,

Siblings Darnell and Gayalyn. He will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Henrys Catholic Church

on Wednesday February 23,2022 at 11:30 with a luncheon to follow

at the church. You can view the Memorial Mass by going to

www.sthenrygresham.org at 11:25. Graveside service, with Military Honors,

will be held at Willamette National Cemetery at 2:30.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Veterans charity of

your choice.