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BORN
1948
DIED
2021
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Roderick Smith Obituary
Roderick H. "Pops" Smith, age 72 of Spring Lake, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at home. He was born on December 18, 1948, in Montana to the late Harold and Darlene (Cleveland) Smith.
Rod married Mary Antecki on July 4, 1998, and she preceded him in death in 2006.
Rod attended Grand Haven High School, and then worked as an electrical and mechanical engineer for many years. He was a long-time member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony's Parish and the Knights of Columbus, which he played Santa Claus on their annual float for the Jingle Bell Parade. Rod was a funny guy and social butterfly who loved being with his friends playing cards, and golfing with his brothers, being active on several golf leagues. He enjoyed watching his grandkids' football games, listening to country music, and especially loved going to family holiday get-togethers, which he never missed.
Rod is remembered and missed by his significant other, Brenda Alpers; step-children: Melissa (Dan) Cooper, Craig (Jamie) and Scott (Melissa) Cardinel; grandchildren: Daniel and Taylor Cooper, Fred and Miranda Alpers; many other beloved grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Darlene (Maxine) Ruiter and Patti Jo (Edward) Crow; and brothers, Tim (Merry) Smith Sr. and Anthony "Tony" (Debbie) Smith. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bridget Smith; and former wife, Linda Calkins-Smith.
The Funeral Mass for Rod will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 25, 2021, at St. Patrick-St. Anthony's Parish with Father Charles Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 24, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Crockery Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Rod's online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Sep
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Klaassen Family Funeral Home - Grand Haven1500 Robbins Road, Grand Haven, MI 49417
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