Obituaries
John C. Rodenburg, 89
John Cordes Rodenburg, 89, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at his residence.
Born on September 20, 1921 in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of the late John Tietjen and Anna Cordes Rodenburg. He was the husband of Lois Holt Rodenburg, with whom he was married for 32 years this past October 20th.
John was a 1940 graduate of the Hill School in Pottstown. He continued his education as an Engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology graduating in 1947. John postponed his education when he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942. He served in the South Pacific until 1945 and was a member of the 13th Air Force, attached to the 372nd Squadron of the 307th Bomb Group. As the pilot of a B-24 Liberator, he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant; he had also piloted the B-17 Flying Fortress. The squadron flew regular missions from the island of Morotai to various targets in the South Pacific and were known as the “Long Rangers”. His aircraft was shot down in January 10, 1945 where the crew crash landed on an uncharted island. He was declared missing in action and was rescued two weeks later. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and the Air Medal. John was a member of the Military Officers Association of America.
After the war, he entered the paper business and was employed as a salesman and sales manager for over 30 years with the St. Joe Paper Company. He resided for most of his career in Rumson, NJ and retired in Lancaster, PA.
John was an avid skier and sailor. He was previously a member of the Monmouth Boat Club and the Shrewsbury Ice Boat Club. John enjoyed spending time with his family, enjoyed music especially jazz,
and enjoyed traveling. He had a great sense of humor and an innate ability to tell a good story or a joke. He was a member of the Lancaster Elks Lodge #134, and was of the Lutheran faith.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by his son John C. II, married to Aleida S. Rodenburg of Lafayette, CA, his daughter Dale R. married to Edward Loeffler of Shelburne, VT; his stepchildren: R. Scott married to Mary Lu Coyle of Endicott, NY, Joan F. Coyle of Sacramento, CA, Patricia L. married to Robert Ressel of Lancaster, and Amy E. married to Carl Lee of Keller, TX; 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Friends will be received on Thursday, February 24, 2011 from 1-2PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St., Lancaster, PA with the Funeral Service to follow at 2PM with The Rev. Charles A. Schroeder officiating. Interment will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Queens, NY on Friday, February 25, 2011. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Susquehanna Association of the Blind and Vision Impaired 244 N. Queen St. Lancaster, PA 17603. To send the family an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661
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Condolences to the Family
March 31, 2015
My name is David Patterson and my Grandfather’s name is Royce Tasker. He was a crewman with John when they crashed in 1945. My grandfather lives in Sherman Texas and I live in Chandler Tx. I have located only two other crewman that my grandfather served with and wish I could have located John before now. I know that I am able to spend time with my grandfather becuase of John and his ability to fly. I am so sorry for your loss and wish your family the best. I would like to hear from you or anyone who has stories of John and the time he spent in Morati with my grandfather. God bless you all. David Pataterson (903) 590-7795.
Dear Lois, Dale, John and family,
I’ve just read of the passing of John. I’m so very sorry. He was a great friend and will be missed. Now he and Jack can raise some hell together again! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love
Vivian
DEAR LOIS,
THINKING OF YOU. SENDING THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
FLO AND KEN HOWARD
Dear Lois,
Ron & I are in Florida and read where John passed away and we want you to know how sad we are for you and the family. I know the care you gave John and there will be a great void in your life. May God give you peace, strength and always wonderful memories.
I will always remember when I worked at Friendly’s and you and John came in for his corn muffin. You both were so madly in love with each other and that is the memory I will always hold.
Will come to see you when we get home.
Fondly,
Ron & Dottie Croessant
We are thinking of you during these sad times. Cherish all the memories. In reading his obituary, he accomplished so much – a legacy that will live on and on. We all send our love…Judie Minzer & family
We knew he was a hero!
John had a wonderful way of making close, warm, fun, loving, friendships. He always made us feel as though we weren’t just pesky, little kids hanging around. He was always so respectful, understanding, caring and encouraging. We all had so many laughs together.
Please know that our spirits are there with you in saying a very fond farewell to, ‘Uncle John’!!
With Our Love, Kisses and Condolences,
Tammis, Sean and Elizabeth (Betty)
To the Rodenburg Family…..our deepest sympathy for your loss. Although we never had the honor of meeting Mr Rodenburg, in reading his obituary, he sounds like a remarkable man. May your warm memories bring a smile to your face and heart when thinking of your husband, father, and grandfather. God bless.
Meg & Ken Rehders and Family
PS….Hang tough John, Leida, JC and girls
Dear Mrs. Rodenburg,
My mother sent me Mr. Rodenburg’s obituary recently and I want to send my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Although, we only met a few times them memories that I have of you and your husband were never forgotten! I remember Mr. Rodenburg’s hilarious stories told while eating delicious lunches in your Lancaster row home. You’ve lost a husband and this country has lost another member of the "Greatest Generation." You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jay "Jamie" Ryan
To Lois, Dale, John, and family,
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Uncle John.
May you all be comforted in your memories of him.
My prayers are with you.
Mark Milbank
My thoughts are with all of you who were closest to my "Uncle John". I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a wonderful man. Whenever I was with him I was amazed at his warm and loving nature, and I was fascinated by his wit, shrewd perspective, and charisma. He always made me feel special. I was very grateful when he visited my Dad in CA years ago, as I know the visit boosted Jack’s morale. Uncle John made the world a better, warmer, kinder place, and my sympathy is with you during this difficult time.
Alex Milbank
Dear Lois and extended family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. John was a great friend and we all enjoyed many fun times together. We cherish those fond memories.
Take good care and you all will be in our prayers.
The Coltons’: Warren, Irene & Family
