Melvin Rode

Melvin Rode, PhD, PE, 75, of Delphos passed away on November 7, 2017, at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center surrounded by his family. 

He was born on November 20, 1941, to Henry T. and Rosa M. (Kroeger) Rode at home in Jennings Township, Putnam County.  They preceded him in death.  On October 29, 1971, he married Marilyn A. Cowdrey (nee Morris) in Miamisburg.  She also preceded him in death. 

Known in the family as “Bim” or “Bimbadear,” Melvin is survived by his sons, Richard Morris Cowdrey of White Lake, MI., Thomas Melvin (Allison) Rode of Delphos, and John Henry (Lindsay) Rode of Swartz Creek, MI.; grandsons, Joshua Cowdrey, Henry, William, Joseph, Erik, and Shaun Rode; brothers, Ralph (Maureen) Rode of Elida, and Arnold (Mary Ann) Rode of Ottoville; a sister, Alice (Thomas) Kaverman of St. John; and one brother-in-law, William Hemker of Delphos.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Lenore Hemker, of Delphos.

Dr. Rode was a graduate of Ohio Northern University, The University of Toledo, and the University of Cincinnati in the field of Electrical Engineering.  He was also a licensed Professional Engineer.  He received over twenty United States patents and a number of foreign patents during his career.  His career also included work in electro-hydraulics, vehicle navigation, engine controls, cash registers, accounting machines, and radios.  He retired from Siemen’s Automotive in 2006.  He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he had been a member of the Parish Council.  He was very active there and was the founder of the Lego Robotics Team at St. John’s School.  He really enjoyed his Friday night pinochle club.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Thursday, November 9, from 5:00-8:00 pm and Friday, November 10, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Harter and Schier Funeral Home in Delphos.  A Parish Wake will be held on Friday at 7:30 pm. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Schools, local cancer funds of your choice, or  The Landeck Improvement Fund.

To leave condolences, please visit harterandschier.com

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