Robert Frank Roderick

Robert Frank Roderick died at the age of 81 on January 12, 2024 in Fort Collins CO.

Born September 6, 1942 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Frank and Faye Roderick, he was one their 8 children. Robert graduated from high school in Bayard, NE in 1960. He then went on to serve his country, in the United States Marine Corps, from 1960-1964, serving in Vietnam. After this, he settled in Sidney, NE. It was at this time that he met the love of his life, Kathy, on a blind date, in March of 1965. Their love blossomed, and he married Kathryn Ayle on July 10, 1966, at the Foursquare Church in Sidney. Robert worked as an accountant, at John Deere, Crossroads Elevator in Sidney, and was an OSHA safety instructor for the WY/MT Safety Council and Sidney Jaycees. He played an active role in his community by serving as a Deacon of the Calvary Baptist Church and volunteering as a firefighter with the Sidney Fire Department for 25 years. Of these, he served as an Assistant Fire Chief and Chief. Robert earned Sidney’s “Fireman of the Year” twice, one of which was the very first award. His hobbies over the years included gardening and woodworking. Robert devoted much of his time to his growing family and always had a knack for putting a smile on someone’s face.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathy Roderick; their beloved children, Kristy (Jumm) Klein of Castle Rock, CO; Yvonne (Jeffrey) Kielian of Iliff, CO; Robert (Barbara) Roderick II of Sidney, NE; Jody (Mike) Wade of Windsor, CO; brother Leroy Roderick, of Manton MI; sister Janet Jessen of Thornton, CO; 16 grandkids and 16 great-grandkids, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Faye Roderick, siblings, Genevieve (Hank) Schoenholtz, Connie Roderick, Beverly (Bob) Simon, Marshall (Judy) Roderick, Louise (George) Powell, and brother-in-law, Ernie Jessen.

A viewing, for friends and family, was held on Wednesday, January 17, at Mark’s Funeral Home in Windsor, CO. A funeral service was held Monday, January 22, at the Evangelical Free Church in Sidney, NE.

Contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association (Colorado Chapter) or to Pathways Hospice Care Center in Fort Collins, CO.