Waldo Edward Rodler Jr.

Born and raised in Davenport, Iowa, during WWII, "Rod" trained in the extremely elite EDDY tested-Chicago Radio Naval unit. He served as an Aviation Electronic Technican. He attended Iowa State University at Ames, receiving his degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mr. Rodler designed the first gas turbine locomotive engine that now resides in the Smithsonian Institute. Among his many professional accomplishments, he designed the starter systems for the F-16 fighter jets. He additionally designed various military vehicles while as a Vice President at Lockheed Corporation. For many years Rod was a consulting engineer for various international corporations. For instance, he designed all automotive turbo charged engines for the Nissan Corporation in Japan and locomotives and train systems for the Thai government. Rod designed the Integrated Jet Propulsion Hydrofoil System and Vehicle that is currently in use by the Navy seals. Mr. Rodler served as the key note speaker for the International Society of Automotive Engineers conventions on several occasions. He holds numerous patents.

Mr. Rodler was a music lover, who offered his rich baritone voice to church choirs across the country and the Elks Chanters Chorus, in Iowa. He served as an Elder and a leader-educator of the Jr. and Sr. High programs at the Stone Church of Willow Glen, PCUSA, in San Jose, California. Throughout his life he and his family were active Masons. Rod became a 32nd degree Mason while very young in Davenport, Iowa, and later served on the board of directors at Paradise Park, Masonic Club in Santa Cruz, California where he was a member for more than forty years. He was Scout Master to his son's Boy Scout troop.

Waldo Rodler, Jr. was the beloved husband of his wife Doris, who preceded him in death in 2015. He was a wonderful father to his daughter Rebecca Cranert (Terrence L. Cranert) and son Micah Rodler (Cora Rodler) as well as two daughters who predeceased him, Marjorie Rodler and Linda Slattery. He was the cherished grandfather of six grandchildren, Tiffany Slattery, Christian Cranert, Jenny Cranert, Alex Cranert, Finn Rodler and Honor Rodler.

The funeral will be held at Oak Hills Cemetary at 300 Curtner Avenue in San Jose on January 11, 2020. Viewing will begin at noon in the Chapel of the Roses followed by services at 1 PM. A graveside service with full Naval honors will take place at 2:30 PM followed by a reception.