Rodney A. Auck

Rodney A. Auck, 74, died early Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at his home under the care of his family and Avita Hospice from complications of leukemia.

He was born November 21, 1950 in Bucyrus to the late Kenneth and Bertha (Ackerman) Auck and raised near New Washington. Rodney graduated from Buckeye Central High School in 1968. He had a deep and abiding faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A faith instilled by his family especially his beloved grandfather, Clarence Auck, who lived out Psalm 78, "We will not hide faith from our descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Rodney was a member of the Bucyrus Nazarene Church and previously served on the church board.

While at church camp as a teen, Rodney met Linda Bretz and fell in love. They were married on May 20, 1973, sharing love, faith, family, and adventure ever since. They enjoyed trips to Pigeon Forge and visited countless stores, flea markets, and auctions; but nothing made Rodney’s face light up as much as when he saw his girls, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also cherished his grand-furbabies, Maggie and Tuxley.

He worked for 46 years at PPG Industries in Crestline, retiring as a shift supervisor. Another passion was his work as a farmer, growing grain and raising pigs and cows. He was past president of the Ohio Hampshire Breeders Association, served for six years in the Ohio National Guard, and was a member of American Legion Post 405.

In addition to his faith and love for family, Rodney will be remembered as a conversationalist who never met a stranger. He took meticulous care of his lawn by mowing and spraying, followed the Buckeyes and 49ers football teams, and loved Oliver tractors, collecting many of them, both full size and toys, throughout his life.

Rodney is survived by his bride of 52 years, Linda Auck; daughters, Michele (George) Berg, Bethany Sobers (Craig Kerschner), and Rachel (Andrew) Wood; grandchildren, Ali (Jess) Stiger, Aaron (Brenna) Berg, Ethan Berg, Kiley Sobers, Kaitlyn Keppler (Joe Grogg), Tyler Wood, and Zoe Wood; great grandchildren, Brantley, Charlotte, Walker, and soon-expected Holly; siblings, Susie (Gary) Hamman, Denis (Teresa) Auck, and Nancy (Steve) Delaney; his “special big sis,” Micki Childs; along with his cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The Auck family will receive friends on Thursday, November 20 from 4-7 pm at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. His funeral will be held on his 75th birthday, Friday at 11:00 am at Bucyrus Nazarene Church with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. He will be laid to rest privately in Union Cemetery, Sulphur Springs.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Hope Lodge, who was so hospitable to Rodney during his cancer treatments in Cleveland, or Bucyrus Nazarene Church. These gifts can be given at the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Rodney’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.