Rodger E. Karrenbrock

1929 - 2018

May 26, 1929 - December 24, 2018 Rodger Karrenbrock was born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to Bernice and Wilbert Karrenbrock, PhD. His father was a professor at the University of Illinois. The family moved to Los Angeles when Rodger and his brother, Richard, were young. His father continued teaching at UCLA for over 30 years, writing well-known accounting textbooks with Rodger contributing. Rodger and his bride-to-be, Nancy (Brown), met at University High School in WLA. There he excelled academically, loved all sports and lettered in baseball. He went on to UCLA in the business school, majoring in accounting and receiving his BS in 1951 and MBA in 1952. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and was elected president of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society as well as serving as president of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Shortly after graduating, Rodger and Nancy were married on July 27, 1952. This magical marriage continued for 66 years. Nancy describes their marriage as a wonderful, diverse adventure, surrounded with support and love. Rodger was especially proud of their family, raising three daughters, Debra, Jill and Sharri (Tracy Earnest). Back at the University of Illinois, with their first child on the way, Rodger put in long hours teaching and studying to receive his PhD. It was there that his love of teaching surfaced and carried on in many ways and at numerous universities for the rest of his life. He again persisted and earned his CPA (as did daughter Jill and granddaughter Camden). Rodger's talents led to a noteworthy career as partner with the multi-national public accounting firm, Arthur Andersen & Co. and Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations of Bixby Ranch Co. These led the family to an abundance of opportunities from traveling around the globe, to riding round-ups at the ranches near Lompoc, CA, playing tennis and celebrating many occasions at Old Ranch Country Club, Seal Beach. Rodger, Nancy and the girls have shared years of good times with friends at their Lake Arrowhead cabin. Their most recent gathering in this beautiful setting was with the family this Thanksgiving. They have always enjoyed working and playing together including favorite times like cross-country trips, following Coach Wooden and Bruin basketball, pop (aka 'Bop') quizzes and endless construction and craft projects. When Rodger was about to retire from Arthur Andersen, he and Nancy started their dream of a family business. This was 36 years ago and Los Angeles Party Designs (LAPD) is still producing amazing Special Events. All have participated throughout the years, from Debra's and Sharri's initial involvement to a team effort leading up to Sharri taking the helm and Jill overseeing finance. Both Debra and Jill have continued the entrepreneurial spirit with their own businesses. He saw his family grow to include grandchildren, Camden Gordon (Evan), Sasha Bollman (Alex), Brock Earnest (Allison), Chance Earnest, Sean Jarvis and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Lucy Gordon, plus their extended family Lisa, Noah, Michael and Eli Papagni. All of us are sure that Rodger will never stop helping those he touched or sharing the gift of making friends of all ages smile and laugh. To sum it up, Rodger's favorite quote was, "This I will remember - when the rest of life is through, the finest thing I ever did was simply loving you" ....... He will be missed by so many. Rodger passed away on December 24th with his family at his bedside. He had bravely and successfully battled cancer for many years. A Memorial Service and Reception will be held Sunday, February 17th at 2:00 p.m. at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church located at 12000 San Vicente Blvd., L.A. 90049, at the corner of Bundy Ave. and San Vicente Blvd. For further information call 310.826.5656. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions go to the American Cancer Society or Lymphoma And Leukemia Society or your favorite charity in memory of Rodger.