Rodney S. Tesarz

Rodney S. Tesarz (age 62) went to meet his Lord and Savior on Oct 28, 2025. Rodney was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 7, 1963, to Richard and Rosemary (Senkowski) Tesarz. He was the fourth of five children and was predeceased by his brothers Russ and Randy Tesarz. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Tolle-Newton) Tesarz, children Mariah and Joshua Tesarz, stepchildren Katherine and Jack Newton, brother Richard (Kathi) Tesarz, sister Raelyn (Jeff) Sanford and sister-in-law Karen Tesarz. Rodney was the cherished uncle of Jason, Adam, Bri, Eric, Alex, Tyler and Parker. To his two grandchildren, James and Ruby, he was affectionately known as “Opa”. He grew up among family and friends in Berkley, Michigan and graduated high school from Bishop Foley in 1981 where he participated in baseball and basketball. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in computer science in 1986 and started his career at Data General. His field of expertise combined with his persuasive personality fueled a long and thriving career in sales and marketing, spending the last 18 years at Natimark. Over the years, Rodney’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to work on a coffee roasting company, a marketing company and most recently, a political podcast, President for a Day. Rodney and Barb were married in 2005 and lived in the Detroit area until 2019 when they moved to Cedar Michigan. He soon adapted to “country” life and took up hunting (both for deer and Petoskey stones), fishing and boating. He continued to enjoy his favorite pastime, playing golf in northern Michigan, and looked forward to his annual golf outing with the Bogey Busters, where he had made lifelong friends. Throughout his adult life, Rod kept his focus on being a follower of Jesus and has been a supporter and participant of several churches, giving both his time and talents. His attitude of serving God and his neighbor has made impactful influences in many people’s lives. Next to God, his commitment to his family was his joy. He loved nothing more than being involved in his children’s lives and supporting their academic and athletic endeavors in their youth and providing encouragement and advice as adults. In August of this year, Rod was happy to give his blessing to Gary Perkins to propose to his daughter, Mariah. Rodney was a lover of grilling on summer nights, frying chicken wings for MSU games, and making crepes for the family on a Saturday morning. He will be remembered for his lively discussions about sports, politics, and faith; his wisdom, generosity and hospitality, and most of all his devotion to family and friends. A service will be held on Saturday Nov. 15, 2025 -1:00 pm at West Side Community Church, 4975 E Traverse Hwy. Traverse City. A Celebration of Life/Open house will follow at 785 Munson Ave. Traverse City from 3-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to FoundationforMetabolicCancerTherapies.com or West Side Community Church, Traverse City.

Rodney S. Tesarz

March 7, 1963 - October 28, 2025