Rodney Jerome Wilson

Rodney Jerome Wilson, age 96, passed away July 25th, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 26, 1930, born to Ralph Wilson and Wilma (Bensinger) Grubaugh.

Rodney grew up in northern Michigan and graduated from Petoskey High School in 1948. At that time, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he honorably served his country four years. He attended Florida State University and went on to earn his master's degree from Stanford University.

Rodney worked as a geologist in the oil industry for his entire career living in many different countries. In 1985, he moved his family from Jakarta, Indonesia to Traverse City, Michigan where he retired.

He loved music deeply. He was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and could whistle any melody with ease and grace. He loved to dance and brought the same joy and energy to the tennis court and softball field, organizing a local league of his own. He was also proud to have built the horseshoe pits at the Traverse City Senior Center.

A true lifelong learner, Rodney had an enduring passion for languages and knowledge. He was fluent in Spanish, Italian, French, and Indonesian, a testament to his boundless curiosity and belief that one is never too old to learn something new.

During the last year of his life, Rodney was lovingly cared for at Grand Traverse Pavilions. The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional staff there, who treated Rodney not simply as a patient, but as the cherished person he was. Those who dedicate their lives to caring for our elders are angels among us, offering patience, dignity, and warmth to those who have given so much to the world. The kindness shown to Rodney by the Grand Traverse Pavilions team brought great comfort to his family and will never be forgotten.

Rodney was a man of remarkable curiosity, independence, and resilience. His life was defined by a love of learning, a willingness to embrace new experiences, and an adventurous spirit that took him around the world. He had a unique ability to make connections with people from many different backgrounds and cultures, and his life was enriched by the many places he called home. To his family, he was a source of wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. His presence will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave will remain with his family for generations to come.

Of Rodney's many skills, interests, and accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He leaves behind his children, Diego (Andrea) Pierrottet, Juan Pierrottet, Maria Veronica (Neil) Draxler, Ana Cristina (Matt) Murra; daughter-in-law, Julie Pierrottet; grandchildren, Abigail Spadone, Antonio Pierrottet, Christian Pierrottet, Nicole Pierrottet, Sabrina Jauer, Celina Pierrottet, Veronica Hall, Sofia Pierrottet, Hailee Pierrottet, Sawyer Draxler and Elise Draxler; brother, Lyn (Akiko) Grubaugh; and sister, Rhea Blumke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marcello Pierrottet; grandsons, Jonathan Pierrottet and Alexi Pierrottet; brother-in-law, Chuck Blumke; and brother, Gene (Pete) Grubaugh.

A memorial service to celebrate Rodney's life will take place at 3pm on Saturday August 1st at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services with a memorial visitation beginning at 2:00 pm. Inurnment following the memorial service at Oakwood Cemetery. Those wishing to give a memorial contribution in his name are asked to consider the Grand Traverse Pavilions Activities Fund. https://www.gtpavilions.org/donate/