John ?Bill? Rode

VISITATION: one hour prior to the serviceFUNERAL SERVICES: 1:00 P.M., Friday, November 7, 2008 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home INTERMENT: Evergreen Cemetery in Walker, MN JOHN "Bill" RODE March 13, 1918 " November 3, 2008John "Bill" Rode, age 90, of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Walker, MN, passed away peacefully at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids on Monday, November 3, 2008. Bill was born on March 13, 1918 in Ryder, North Dakota to Paul and Annette (Jensen) Rode. As a child he moved with his family to Walker, MN where his parents owned and operated the Lake Caf. He attended public school in Walker, graduating with the class of 1936. He went on to attend college at the University of North Dakota where he studied chemistry. Bill excelled in academics and enjoyed college life. He loved music and was part of the college symphony where he played violin and trumpet. After receiving his degree in chemistry, Bill joined the United States Navy where he served in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill began working as a chemist for the Glidden Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Following his retirement, Bill returned to the Walker area where he made his home on Kabekona Bay of Leech Lake. Bill was a man of many interests; he loved photography, collecting coins and being a Ham radio operator. He was a voracious reader and loved classical music. He was an active member of the Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, MN and later Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. He will be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters: Dorothy and Lorraine; and 1 brother, Donald. Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, November 7, 2008 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home with Reverend Ken Nyhusmoen officiating. Jim Schuett will sing "The Old Rugged Cross" accompanied by his guitar. The Casketbearers will be: Jim Schuett, Walter Anderson & Kevin Hillberg. Interment will be made in the Evergreen Cemetery in Walker, MN. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday.