Roderick Dunham

Roderick Dunham
Roderick Alan Dunham, age 86, died on February 25, 2025, with family and the staff of Ashley Healthcare Center at his side. Roderick, better known as "Rod", was born on April 3, 1938, in Midland, Michigan. One of five children of Gerald and Helen (Loose) Dunham.
After high school, Rod enlisted into the U.S. Army and served with Military Police until his discharge. On September 9, 1961, Rod married Patricia Burkett in a wedding ceremony in Sanford, Michigan. Rod worked for The Dow Chemical Company for many years and then opened Dunham's Garage on Dublin Rd. He often helped others in need and completed repairs free of charge. After many successful years, he closed his business and went back to the labor force working full-time for United Steelworkers Local 12075 in Midland, Michigan.
Rod loved hunting, fishing, working with horses, and anything outdoors including searching for that elusive mushroom. He was kind and generous, greeted you with a wave, and if you met him as a stranger, you would leave being his friend.
Rod is survived by his wife Pat of 63 years; his sons, Alan Dunham and Chris Dunham (finance Melissa Bankes); his daughters, Diana Sullivan and Melissa Chritz (Joe); 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister Ardith Badder.
He was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Helen Dunham; his brothers, Gerald Dunham Jr. and Richard Dunham; and his sister, Barb Scherrer.
A celebration of life service is being scheduled for the summer of 2025.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Dunham family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at wswfh.com.