Gerard Morton “Roddy” Rodmaker, 97, passed peacefully into heaven at home on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, with family members near him. He was born in Sunman, Indiana, on December 29, 1925, to Otto and Clara (Stith) Rodmaker.
Gerard was married to the love of his life, Norma (Smith) Rodmaker for 62 years. They raised four children: Roger Rodmaker (Diane), Reva Carlson (Mike), Roddy Rodmaker, and Richie Rodmaker before Norma’s passing in 2009. Gerard was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Marion, where he met his second wife, Dorothy. They were married for three years before her passing in 2020.
Gerard loved spending time with his family, helping at church, traveling, camping, hiking, and spending time with friends. After 30 years, he retired from General Motors in Marion, Tool & Die Department, where he was a Gadget Man. Gerard loved to build and invent things, restore cars, work in the garage, and involve his family in projects.
Gerard served in WW2 as a Marine, part of the initial invasion force in Okinawa, and served proudly for his country. He also served in China to stabilize the area after the war ended.
In addition to his wives, Gerard was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Clara Rodmaker; son, Richard; granddaughter, Amie Dawn Rodmaker; brothers, Wilton, Oswald, Theron, and Gerald; and sister, Delores.
Gerard leaves behind his adult children, Roger, Reva, and Roddy; sisters, Reva Muncie (Bill) and Linda Davis; and multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and step-children.
Gerard always talked about how blessed he was, how Jesus gave him the gift of eternal life, the eternal life he is enjoying right now! His prayer was for all of his family to come to know the saving grace of Jesus so he can spend eternity with them.
The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral and Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Gerard’s life will begin at 1:00 pm. Pastor Bruce Koontz will be officiating with burial taking place at Gardens of Memory.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Honor Flight (www.hfnei.org) and Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Gerard, please visit our floral store.