December 25, 1924 - June 26, 2015
Frederick O. "Fritz" Rodde, age 90, of Richfield was received into the arms of Jesus on June 26, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, after suffering a brief series of strokes. He was blessed to have his unwavering faith and wide circle of devoted family and friends surround him his entire life. He will be dearly missed by all of his loved ones, who celebrate the assurance the he is at peace with his Creator. Fritz was born on his parents' farm east of Kenyon, MN on Christmas Day 1924. A veteran of the U.S.Navy, he enlisted at age 19 and served on board the William D. Porter destroyer until its sinking in the South Pacific. He married Shirley Peterson on May 21, 1949, and they were blessed with 66 loving, happy and fulfilling years together. In 1951, he accepted a position as an upholstery teacher at Minneapolis Vocational High School, where he taught for 30 years, not only instructing, but nurturing souls along the way. Following retirement, he kept active with many new ventures, started Rodde Designs, and worked with an interior designer to continue creating furniture for numerous clients. Fritz led a full, active life, enjoying time at the cabin, waterskiing, snow skiing (a ski patrol for 23 years), fishing golfing, and creating artistic treasures. He had endless energy for his children and grandchildren, who cherish the time he spent teaching them to ski, taking them fishing, surprising them with homemade Christmas gifts, building their faith and cheering them on. Fritz lived out his faith every day, giving generously of his time and talents through the years to Prison Fellowship, Teen Challenge, the Billy Graham Association and his church. Survived by his wife, Shirley; children, James Rodde, Julie (Steven) Aasgaard and Rachel (David) Lowe; grandchildren, Jeff (Maureen) Aasgaard, Kimberly Aasgaard, Scott (Katie) Aasgaard and Ryan Pekarna; step-grandchildren, Jennifer and Katie Lowe; sisters, Rosella Strandemo and Alice Bishop; sister-in-law, Marian Rodde. Preceded in death by parents, Alfred and Marie (Langemo) Rodde; brothers, Albion and Phillip; sister, Aldora (Harris) Lee and brothers-in-law, Byron Bishop, Stanley Overby and Alverne Strandemo.
Memorials are preferred to Prison Fellowship or MN Teen Challenge.
Memorial Service
Thursday, July 2, 2015
11:00 AM
Visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, at the church.
Woodlake Lutheran Church
7525 Oliver Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Interment
Thursday, July 2, 2015
1:30 PM
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 - 34th Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
How wonderful you were able to celebrate Fritz’s 90th birthday. It’s so great to be able to remember him as being happy and looking and feeling so well. We both feel blessed to have known him and being able to call him a friend.
Love and Prayers, Carolyn & Dick
Our sympathies to the entire Rodde family. Fritz will be missed. He was a wonderful neighbor, father, and grandfather. I always enjoyed seeing him out in the yard. I loved when he would stroll over for a brief visit and a flash of his smile. May God give you comfort in this time of sorrow.
I am originally from Guatemala City, Central America. I went to Minnesota as an exchange student in 1977. I was blessed to be Mr. and Mrs. Rodde’s “daughter”. I was their Guatemalan daughter.
I was not a Christian back in 1977. The experience that I was blessed with in getting to know the Roddes was used by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to soften my hardened heart. I became a Christian in 1980.
I have no doubt that Mr. Rodde was a wonderful son. I am sure Mrs. Rodde, my American Mom can say that he was a wonderful husband. Rachel my “sister” has been in contact with me ever since we became “sisters”. We were teenagers at that time. He was the best Dad in the world for Rach, Julie and Jim.
English is my second language but thanks to Julie, my older “sister” we were able to manage communicating with each other. Julie is fluent in Spanish and that was a big help!
I had 2 opportunities to talk with Mr. Rodde during his last days on this earth. Rach and Mom had me on speaker phone so I could talk to him. He gave signs that I was listening to what I was saying. I was able to tell him how much I loved him and how much he always be part of my life. The second time I talked to Mr. Rodde I also had the chance to talk to my “brother” Jim. That was indeed a blessing because he sounded just like his Dad.
Throughout the years Rach has told me so many unforgettable stories about her Dad. Mom ha always been so faithful in writing to me and sending pictures. I have so many fond memores of Mr. Rodde. You don’t find people like him anymore.
Mr. Rodde went to Heaven. He was ready to leave this valley of tears. He knew that his Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ was waiting for him. I will always cherish the fact that he was my POPS.
His life gave glory to God and that is the most important thing we all can do in this life!!!!!!!