Frank Rodstrom

RODSTROM, FRANK Captain Frank Rodstrom passed away May 12, 2005 at age 89. Francis James Rodstrom was born on March 20, 1916 in Omaha, Nebraska to Clifton Leroy "Roy" Rodstrom and Fannie "Jensen" Rodstrom. He enjoyed boxing and playing football at Central High School and he helped with his father's plumbing business-"Rodstrom's Plumbing". In 1934 he began a life-long service to our country at age 18 by joining the Navy. He was proud of his experiences as a submariner and everyone who knew him was bound to hear a tale of his submarine exploits before long. During WWII he went on five dangerous war patrols on the U.S.S. Pogy and was based in Honolulu. While stationed at Pearl Harbor, he met Navy registered nurse Dorothy Bernhagen, who he married June 3, 1944 in Honolulu. After the war they settled in San Diego in 1955 to raise their five children. Frank worked at North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado at the forefront of the computerization era. He retired from the Navy in 1960 at the rank of Captain. Frank worked another 14 years as Computer Processing Division Head at Rohr Aircraft. After his daughter Christine married NBA player Pat Riley in 1970, Frank became very involved in professional basketball, attending numerous playoff and All Star games over the next 25 years. He loved to follow his investments in the stock market and he enjoyed great success in several of his real estate ventures. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Frank's great intelligence and wit could not mask his warm loving spirit. He was a fine example of the "Greatest Generation." Raised in a time before specialization, Frank learned actively and continuously, and knew a great deal about a great many subjects. Well into his 80's, one day with Frank could include calculating compound interest rates for a friend's potential car purchase, a sophisticated conversation analyzing the strategic performance of his favorite basketball team, decision making over his stock holdings, and replacing sections of roof shingles with his grandson. He is survived by his wife of 61 years - Dorothy, his sister Leonora; children Tom Rodstrom; Christine and Pat Riley; Bill Rodstrom and Laurie Totaro; John and Cindy Rodstrom, Richard and Kristi Rodstrom; grandchildren Erik and Jennifer Rodstrom, Karin and Josh Leuenberger; Klara Rodstrom, James Riley, Elisabeth Riley, and Remington Rodstrom; and great-grandchild Trevor Rodstrom. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 18, at 2 p.m., at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary, at 4300 Imperial Ave., in San Diego. His favorite charity was Navy Marine Corps Relief Society San Diego Office, at U.S. Naval Station, P.O. Box 8103, San Diego, California 92136-8103.Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com