John David Rode

John David Rode, 53, began his Eternal Journey towards God and Heaven on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. John was born on June 3, 1969 in Traverse City to Joseph Gerard and Gania (Chase) Rode. After graduating from Traverse City Central High School, he got his associates degree at Northwestern Michigan College. John was a Bata Bus driver in Florida taking the seniors to Dr.’s appointments, fishing and to parks. A few years ago, John was a cook at the Pavilions in Traverse City. John had great faith in God. He prayed and read religious books each day. John met the Lord Jesus Christ each time he went to Mass each week and at the Chapel to pray. John had a beautiful singing voice and sang with the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Choir and also with St. Francis Catholic Church Choir. He also played the keyboard. John loved to play baseball, basketball and enjoyed watching the Tigers, Lions and Pistons on TV but not after 8pm. He loved to Trout and Bass fish with his dad. He liked hunting especially if it was not too cold outside. He proudly shot an 8 point buck a few years ago. John and his dad Joe played softball for the Immaculate Conception Church team. He watched his mother, Gania run several races. Also, John was very proud to help celebrate his parents 60th wedding anniversary last October. John did his works of mercy by cooking most of the meals, washing dishes, getting the mail and newspaper, and washing clothes for the last 7 years. Thanks, John, for all your love. We will see you in Heaven! John is survived by his parents Joe and Gania Rode whom are Parishioners at St. Francis, older brother Mike Rode of Kalamazoo, MI, his sisters, Debbie (Randy) Postma of Florida, Anne (Robert) Mitchell of Arkansas, his two aunts, Louise Kane and Barb (Mel) Bonham whom are also parishioners at St. Francis, Nieces and Nephews Cary Postma, Jordan Mitchell, Morgan Mitchell, Amanda Rode, and Chad Rode along with many other family members and friends. John is preceded in death by his younger sister Lisa Rode whom passed away in 1982, his grandparents Joseph and Agnes Wacha Rodee and two aunts Frances (George) Boonstra and Carolyn Schield. Visitation for John will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 from 4-6pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on 6th Street, with a Rosary and sharing time beginning at 4pm. A Funeral Mass will be taking place on Saturday, March 25, at St. Francis Catholic Church, off Union Street at 11am with a visitation beginning at 10am. A luncheon will take place after the Mass in the Church Social Hall. John’s final resting place will be at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 11am. Those wishing an expression of sympathy may choose to contribute to the Fr. Fred Foundation, St. Vincent DePaul, St. Francis Food Pantry, in John’s honor Thank you. Kindly share your memories with John’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

John David Rode

June 3, 1969 - March 14, 2023