Gerald A Rode

Gerald A. “Jerry” Rode, 92, of Delphos passed away early Friday morning, January 8, 2021 in Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center. He was born on January 30, 1928 to Frank C. and Regina (Grothouse) Rode who preceded him in death.  On April 22, 1950 he married Martha J. Jones. They had been married 50 years. She preceded him in death on September 16, 2000. On December 27, 2001 he married Virginia Becker Cox and she preceded him in death on August 20, 2012.

He is survived by a step-son, Ed (Tricia) Cox of Painesville; two step-daughters, Mary Jane (Joe) Previte of Cleveland and Theresa (Larry) Wherthey of Louisville, Kentucky, two sisters-in-law, Sherri Rode of Vandalia and Margaret Koester of Delphos; a brother-in-law, Ronald Edelbrock of Kalida, six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers Vernon Rode and Kenneth (Gertrude) Rode, a sister, Arlene Edelbrock and a sister-in-law, Lucille “Freckles” Becker.

Jerry graduated in 1945 from Delphos St. John’s High School. He had served as a sergeant in the United States Air Force. He had worked as a realtor. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 1362, the VFW Post 3035, the Delphos Eagles Aerie 471 and a life member of the Lima Elks BPOE 54, where he had been initiated in 1956.

Per Jerry’s wishes he wanted to be cremated. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 15, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial of the cremated remains will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, with military graveside service conducted by Delphos Veterans Council. Visitation will be one hour before the time of the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Children’s Home, 2823 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40206. Online condolences can be left at www.weberfh.net.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Weber Funeral Home.