Stephen James Rodick

Stephen James Rodick, 70, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on December 12, 2019. Often behind schedule, his death was no exception. He missed his original 2013 expiration date thanks to the selfless act of an organ donor, to whom Steve and his family are forever grateful.

He grew up in Sedalia, Missouri and was educated at Smith-Cotton High School and the University of Missouri-Rolla. He had many great stories about his youth which you really should hear sometime.

He loved to start home improvement projects and sometimes finish them, teach his sons to fix the cars they broke, paddle Missouri’s beautiful rivers, make and fly kites with his adoring granddaughter, fuss with the tangle of cables behind his TV, learn people’s names, and study his family’s history.

Steve was an electrical engineer, erecting transmission lines across the country and beyond. He worked 26 fulfilling years at Burns & McDonnell before happily finishing his career sometimes in pajamas as an independent consultant for utility companies nationwide.

He was a faithful member of Colonial Presbyterian Church and will be missed in his usual pew, but he has a better seat now.

Steve was involved with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as a boy and leader. Though his savant-like knowledge of knots didn’t translate quite as well to Center High School’s Center Friends program, it was there he met and mentored a fine young man and friend who is going to do very big things.

But his two greatest achievements were convincing Linnea Jill to a) marry him and b) remain married to him for 40 years. In addition to his bride, he is survived by sons Peter (Leslie), David, and Jonathan, grandchildren Hannah and William, and brothers Michael and Philip (Betsy), and many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. They miss him.

He was preceded in death by father Vernon, mother Florence, his original lungs, and ⅓ of his left index finger.

A celebration of his life at which somber attire is discouraged will be held at 10:00 a.m. on December 27, 2019 at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114.

In lieu of flowers, Steve would prefer that you register as an organ donor and make clear your wishes to your loved ones. Steve’s life was prolonged and enriched by one such gift. Honor your legacy and Steve’s by saving up to eight lives. It takes only a moment, costs less, and means much more than flowers.

For those who prefer an immediate contribution, gifts to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Steve’s honor are appreciated.