WOOSTER – Lawrence Rodney Rod Johnson, 86, of Wooster, died Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Wooster Community Hospital after a period of declining health.
Rod was born February 1, 1934 in Youngstown, Ohio to Alfred and Lucille (McCoy) Johnson. The family returned to Wooster and he grew up around the McCoy family farm on Friendsville Road.The family enjoyed numerous summers at Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. He was a 1952 graduate of Wooster High School and attended the University of Wisconsin where he was a member of the marching and symphonic bands and marched in the 1953 Rose Bowl Parade. From 1957-59, Rod served as a non-commissioned officer with the U.S. Army of Occupation in Germany. After his return to civilian status, he accepted a position as engineer with the Walters Jones Construction Company. Rod married Patti Rogers on August 27, 1960, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. In 1964, he was named Superintendent of Physical Plant for the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station (OARDC). Rod and Patti lived on the OARDC campus in the Triway District and raised their four sons Lars, Erik, Sten, and Nils until his retirement in 1992. Rod and Patti moved to Wooster after his retirement.
Rod was an active member of the Wooster and Triway Community. He served on numerous Committees and Boards including the Salvation Army, YMCA, Triway School Board, Triway Little League, and Wooster Planning Commission. He enjoyed coaching his sons in little league for many years. He also played string bass for the Triway Capers and Red Stocking Revue. He was a lifelong member of the Madisonburg United Methodist Church of the Cross. Rod enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid golfer. He played volleyball for many years in Wooster and across Ohio and in later years participated in several Senior Olympic Games. He also loved music and playing the piano.
Rod loved his family and enjoyed supporting all of their musical and athletic endeavors. For decades he has had season tickets for Ohio State Buckeyes Football which family members fought for and enjoyed. He loved to build, helping his family with numerous remodeling and home improvement projects over the years. His lasting legacy to his family is the Cottage that he built at Lake Buckhorn, south of Millersburg in the late 1960 s and early 1970 s. The Cottage and Lake have and will continue to be enjoyed by his family and friends.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents and brother James. He is survived by his wife, Patti; sons Lars (Liz) and Erik ( Rose) of Wooster, Sten (Irma) of San Diego, Nils (Tracy) of Medina; grandchildren Erin (David) Moline of Michigan, Kayla, Kirsten, and Kelli of California, Jake, Olivia, Lainey, and Justie of Ohio.
There will be no calling hours. A private ceremony will be held for the immediate family at Wooster Cemetery.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army or The Madisonburg United Methodist Church of the Cross.
Online cond9oloences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Salvation Army or Madisonburg United Methodist Church
Service
Private family services
Visitation
No calling hours
Patti, I am so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. May all the great memories you shared guide you through this difficult time. Condolences to the whole family.
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family. The Wooster Wayne Chapter of the DAR
TO The Family and Friends of Rodney
You have My Deepest Sympathy
Prayers and Thoughts are with you
HE Was kind always had a smile
I was Wooster classmate 1952
God Bless All of You
Norma Jean(Beery)Spence
HUDSON,Ohio
Patti,
We are sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. He was a good friend and colleague at the OARDC and our families shared so many fond memories together.
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
George Spencer and Family
Patti and family…..
We offer our sincere condolences to all of you. It’s always difficult when our loved ones pass on.
With Rod and Jim having had comparable positions at OARDC, there were many shared projects and interactions to get things accomplished. As his secretary, Norma worked closely with Rod for about 10 years. We both enjoyed our working relationship as colleagues over the years there.
Another common connection was the similar ages of our sons since they all were Triway students during the same years.
We have many good memories of our relationships. May God bless and comfort you through your grief.
We recognize the wonderful contributions Rod made to our community. He left quite a legacy. Our sympathy to Patti, the boys, and all your families.
Dear Eric and Rose. So sad to hear of Rod’s passing. Eric, I know you were a great son, continuously taking care of him and your mother. He is now at peace and feeling no pain. He sure was an active person and did a lot for the community. May God bless and comfort you at this time.
Worked with Rod at the OARDC for a short time and with Lars at EA. It was a great pleasure to show Rod and Patti through the remodeled Thorne House.
Condolences to the family.