Surnames: Roder, Smith, Mummert, Fleishcman

----Source: Loyal TRG 29 October 2008

Roder, Darrel R. (17 MAR 1935 - 18 OCT 2008)

Darrel R. Roder, 73, town of Spencer, died on Saturday morning, Oct. 18, 2008, at his home, with his family by his side under the tender care of Ministry Home Hospice. A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Spencer United Methodist Church. The Rev. Patricia Herdt officiated. The Prairie Band and Choir provided special music. His grandchildren served as pallbearers. Military honors were conducted by the American Legion Post #54, following the service.

Darrel R. Roder was born on March 17, 1935, in Loyal, to James and Vera (nee Smith) Roder. He was a graduate of Loyal High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958-60 and was recalled to active duty in September 1961 for the Berlin Crisis, serving with 410 Signal Corp. On July 1, at the American Lutheran Church, Granton, he married Linda L. Mummert. He was employed as a third-floor supervisor at Dairy Belt, which later became Land O’Lakes of Spencer from 1955 until he retired in 1989. Upon retirement, he began working in the lab at Figi’s until 2001.

Faith and family were the driving forces of his life. He was an active member of the Spencer United Methodist Church, helping with many church functions. He often helped the UMW prepare for their events; the cookie walk was one of his favorites. No matter how busy he was at 9 p.m., at the Roder household, it was time to relax and visit and share a bowl of ice cream.

He had many interests, including woodworking, gardening, landscaping and bowling. He especially enjoyed roller-skating with his buddy, Linda. His passion was his family and anything they were involved in. An avid basketball player himself, he continued his love for sports by supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events and their various school and church activities, always there to cheer them on. He was also a charter member of Spencer Jaycees.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Linda L. Roder, Spencer; his son, Ronald (Victoria) Roder, and their children, Joshua, Reece and Joshua Burdey, Spencer; and a daughter, Darla (Scott) Fleischman and their children Derek and Zachary, Spencer; two brothers, Orville (Nellie) Roder, Louisville, Ky., and Allen (Karla) Roder, McFarland.

A memorial will be established in his name at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Elena Theodosiou, Dr. K.J. Williams, the oncology nurses and the caring staff of Ministry Home Care. The visits, prayers and words of comfort from Pastor Pat Herdt were also a blessing to the family. God bless you all. Hanson-Schilling Funeral Home, Spencer, assisted the family with arrangements.