Jesse Alvin Roderick, age 74, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 at the Heartland Health Care Center following a long illness. He was born March 30, 1937 in Ann Arbor, MI. the son of Francis and Rose Mary (Bastien) Roderick.
On Oct. 5, 1966 Jesse married the late Helen Zampanti in Buchanan, MI. Together they raised a large family and Jesse spent most of his working years as a farm hand,While earning a degree in Department of Agriculture in dairy farming at Andrews University, spending twenty two years with Corey Lake Orchard and earlier with Don Kline Farms. Later in life Jesse loved to scrap metal, work on vehicles, and fix most anything with two parts. He also loved his long country rides.
Mr. Roderick was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Helen in 1993; a grandson Jake Michael Ash in 1994 and eight brothers and sisters, Leonard, Frank, Joe, Elmer, Tim, Pansy, Vesta, and Mary.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving family, daughter, Melissa (John) Ash, of Three Rivers, three step-children, Linda (Ted) Smith, of Dowagiac, MI., Herman Langelan, of Niles, MI., and Nancy (Richard) Hart, of Niles, MI.; nine grandchildren, Michelle (John) Hassle, of Dowagiac, Jaymie (Michael) Miller, of North Dakota, Stacey Langelan, of Hawaii, Jasun, Mallori, and Kody Langelan, all of Maryland, Tyler Langelan of Tenn, Rishia and Nathan Langelan, both of Niles; one brother, James Roderick; one sister, Lorainne Taylor; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the Hohner Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at the Three Rivers Nazarene Church, with Pastor Bob Anderson officiating.
Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac, MI.
Memorials may be donated to the family of Jesse Roderick c/o Melissa Ash. Envelopes available at the funeral home