MIDDLEFIELD – With extreme heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rodney L. Yoder, 54, of Middlefield, on Jan. 9, 2021, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center from complications due to COVID-19.
This is the story of Rod Yoder. Rod was a wonderful man who was loved, is missed and will always be cherished. Rodney, as his wife, mom, siblings and old friends called him. Rod, as his Kinetico family called him, and dad, as his kids called him, was an amazing husband, father and son.
Rod never met a stranger; he always made you feel special and would help anyone at any time. He touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way. His family was the most important thing to him, and it showed. His love of friends and his Kinetico family were evident.
Rod’s story started on March 25, 1966, the oldest child to Joni (Joe) and Kathryn Yoder. He was born in Cleveland and grew up in Middlefield, where he made many lifelong friends. He was proud to be a Cardinal Huskie, where he would meet the love of his life (but didn’t know it yet). He graduated in 1984 and went on to attend Eastern Mennonite University.
Rod moved back to Middlefield in 1992. And reconnected with his childhood friend, Marla Salona. After several years of dating, he married his best friend. Rod and Marla were married on Sept. 13, 1997, in Zoar, Ohio. In December of 1996 Rod joined Kinetico Water Systems in Newbury, Ohio. Little did he know, that Kinetico would become his extended family and a very important part of his life.
Rod and Marla spent a lot of time together through the years. Rod made beautiful wood furniture that they would take to craft shows throughout the states. He enjoyed making all the wood products that Marla painted. They made great friends and enjoyed traveling together through the years to the various shows.
On July 21, 2005, their daughter, Zoey, was born. Daddy’s girl. She was the apple of his eye.
Rod and Marla purchased their first home in May 2007. He was so excited to be a homeowner and mow his own grass. He loved working outside in the backyard.
On Jan. 28, 2008, their son, Grayson, was born. Little Buddy. Now he was doubly blessed. Life seemed to fly by. Rod realized his family was the most important thing to him. He still traveled for work, but continued to keep his family above all else.
His yearly family vacations were one of the highlights in his life. Rod always enjoyed taking his family to a new fun adventure. He enjoyed BBQing for all the family get-togethers. And relaxing with friends and neighbors in the backyard around a fire. He was very proud of his home and yard and loved sharing it.
He loved to volunteer his time to anything that was important to him or his family, especially anything related to Cardinal Schools.
Rod served on various boards, with his most recent, president of the Cardinal Music Boosters. And he was on the committee for WQA (Water Quality Association).
Rod leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Marla; and children, Zoey and Grayson; his mother, Kathryn Yoder; brother, Brian (Chrystal) Yoder; sister, Jennifer Yoder; nieces and nephews; and the rest of his family and friends.
Rod is preceded in death by his father, Joe Yoder.
And so, the story goes on until we see Rod again. We love you and miss you.
A celebration of life for Rod will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Zoey and Grayson Yoder Education Fund, c/o Huntington National Bank, 14849 N. State Ave., Middlefield, OH 44062.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.
Sly Family Funeral Home assisted his family with arrangements.
The post Rodney L. Yoder first appeared on Geauga County Maple Leaf.