Wayne A Rode

WAYNE A. RODE Wayne A. Rode, age 68, of Walbridge, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 25, 1943 in Toledo to Arnold and Victoria (Dobes) Rode. Wayne graduated from Waite High School and was a proud East Sider. He retired from CSX Transportation in 2003 after 40 years of service. Wayne made many lifelong friends throughout the years within the railroad family. He enjoyed many adventures with his fellow railroaders and was always eager to tell a story. Wayne was an avid fan of the Bowling Green Falcons and supporter of all East Toledo Sports teams. He played softball throughout the years in many different leagues, most recently for the East Toledo Family Center and Cape Coral, FL. league. He will be remembered as one of the best shortstops in all of the leagues. He was a member of the VFW, Moose, Eagles and American Legion clubs. He spent many winters in Pine Island, FL where he made numerous lifelong friends. One of his greatest joys in life was watching his grandchildren’s sporting events and he took great pride in all of their many accomplishments. These are memories that will be treasured forever by his grandchildren. Wayne always had a smile and a story to share with those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered as a loyal friend and deeply committed to his family. He will be missed by all. Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Jacqueline, children; Scott (Mary Lou) Rode, Julia (Tony) Gallaher, Jackie (Bruce) Fox, James (Clemencia) Fox, Jodi (Thomas) Muratori and Jennifer Smith, grandchildren; Scott, Sarah, Jordan, Joshua, and Jeremy Rode, Brooke, Tori, and Vinny Gallaher, Nicholas Fox and James and Joshua Smith, mother-in-law; Viola Barrett, and brother-in-law; Paul (Barbara) Youngblood. He was preceded in death by his parents, and father-in-law; Frank Youngblood. Friends will be received on Thursday, June 16, 2011 from 2-4pm and 6-9pm in the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home 701 N. Main St. Walbridge (419-666-3121). Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Lake Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in Wayne’s name be made to the East Toledo Family Center, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society. The family would like to extend their gratitude and many thanks to everyone for all their prayers, love, and support over the past year and a half. The cards, phone calls and visits were deeply appreciated. We would also like to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their loving care and support. Online condolences may be made at www.witzlershankfh.com.