GENE WILLARD RODENBECK
Died Sept. 15, 2017
Gene Willard Rodenbeck, Goldsboro, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at the age of 86.
Gene was born to the late August Rodenbeck and Gertrude Huxoll Rodenbeck of Arapahoe, Neb. He was the oldest of two children.
Gene was a proud Midwesterner for the majority of his life, but happily followed his wife, Linda Jordan, to Goldsboro in 1994, and loved his adopted southern home.
Gene proudly served his country aboard the U.S.S. Estes during the Korean War, where he was the ship's serviceman.
Finding that he enjoyed this type of work, Gene pursued a successful 21-year career in retail management with W.T. Grant Corp., and eventually opened his own retail store in Grundy Center, Iowa.
He found more of his skills and talents serving as a mortgage and loan officer later in his career.
Gene was passionate about service to his God, his country and his community.
He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where he had served as a member of the church choir, sexton and church council member.
He had many fond memories with Goldsboro Lions Club, where he had served actively on committees and as president.
Gene will be remembered for his love of singing, dancing, bowling, gardening, collecting, baking and fixing things, but most of all, his love of fishing. Whether at the coast on a pier, at the edge of a small pond or out on a boat on the river, he was happiest when holding a fishing pole and hoping to catch the big one.
Gene is survived by his wife, Linda Jordan; his two children, Greg Rodenbeck and Nancy McMillin; his grandchildren, Jacob and Aaron; his sister, Darla; and his aunt, Eleanora Haussler.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro, with a service to celebrate Gene's life at 6 p.m., with the Rev. Joanna Stallings and the Rev. Charlie Hoyle officiating. Gene will be laid to rest in Arapahoe, Neb., alongside his father and mother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Goldsboro Downtown Lions Club, P.O. Box 1413, Goldsboro, N.C., 27533.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on September 18, 2017 8:05 AM