Rodney Craker

Rodney R. Craker, 86, of Chippewa Falls, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Clark County Nursing Home.

On February 24, 1938, Rod was born to Max and Mae (Henderson) Craker, in Stanley, WI. He was raised in Cadott where, as a young man, he loved sports, swimming in the Yellow River and riding his horse "Diamond." Rod also loved dancing at the Rainbow Gardens where he was known for being a great dancer. Rod joined the Air Force at 17 years old and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD. He worked as a jet engine mechanic.

Rod and Verdine Craker were married in 1956 and had 4 children and the sad loss of their first-born infant at birth. They were married until 1970. In 1984, Rod married Sherry (Zenner) and was blessed with 3 more children and a wonderful wife of 34 years, until her passing in 2018.

Rod worked many jobs; Presto Industries, tree trimming and removal, Eau Claire County Parks and Forestry, where he retired from after 23 years. Rod went back to school and became a realtor. He also worked as a greeter/cashier at Walmart. Rod was always known for his hard work, kind disposition, and strong faith in God. He understood the struggles of others in life, and he spent a great part of his life encouraging others that they can get beyond their problems, addictions and hard times. (Through the grace of God)

Rod devoted 10 years of jail ministry to Chippewa County Jail and continued ministry at Kline Hall, V.A. alongside his good friend Charlie Shafer. They ministered and helped many people find God and his grace for their lives and families. Rod loved his church, church family, and Pastor Eddy Crise at Trinity United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls, where Rod himself, found God's grace in his own struggles as a younger man some 40+ years ago. He enjoyed Sundays in church and his favorite group of friends to have breakfast with after church and a good Packer game.

Rod was a simple man who loved nature and feeding his deer and birds. He helped others with patience, love and kindness. He loved his family, friends and neighbors, but most of all his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rod will be remembered for his honest, gracious, patient personality and humble disposition. His favorite quote, "one day at a time, with an attitude of gratitude."

Rodney is survived by his children, Cal (Tracy) Craker, Mark (Sue) Craker, Larea (Jerry) Ottinger, Kelly DuVall-Zais, Tamara DuVall, and Stacy (Michael Fox) DuVall; siblings, Marlene (Tom) Green, Ken Craker, Dean Craker, Dawn Koeppen; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Brenda Craker; son, Kim Craker; wife, Sherry Craker; and son-in-law, Andrew Zais.

A special thanks to all the Earth Angels that God sent to help with Rod's care, St. Croix Hospice of Eau Claire, Clark County Nursing Home, Home Instead "Almost Family," Chippewa VA, Pastor Eddie Crise, and St. Croix Hospice Chaplain, Michelle Earls, neighbors, caregivers, friends, and Luke at Pederson-Volker.

The Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 201 W. Central St, Chippewa Falls, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. The interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls, with Military Honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls, is serving the family. Please share your memories and condolences online at pedersonvolker.com.