Rodney J. Pevytoe

Rodney J. Pevytoe of Eagle River, WI, age 69, passed away peacefully at Aspirus Seasons of Life Hospice House, Woodruff, WI on Monday, December 8, 2025, with his family at his side. Rod was born May 24, 1956, in Wausau, WI to William and Joyce Pevytoe.

Rod was a loving husband, devoted father, fun-loving grandfather, and caring son and brother. He was kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and helpful. He married Barbara, the love of his life, June 1983 in Manitowoc, WI. They bought a home in Eagle River later that year and raised two children. From there four grandsons flourished in recent years. Family came first for Rod.

Rod lived a life of service. In his youth he began in the Boy Scouts, achieving the highest level of Eagle Scout. He was a Marathon County Sheriff's Department Deputy as he attended UW Oshkosh, earning a degree in Criminal Justice. He started working for the State of WI Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), in narcotics and vice, then moved to the position of Special Agent in the Arson Bureau. Early in his career, he was recognized by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) as Fire Investigator of the Year. He became a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of IAAI and then onto President of the WI Chapter. He served as IAAI President and held the distinguished honor of IAAI Life Member. He served as lead on several IAAI committees including IAAI – Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) Certification, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation. Being an IAAI -CFI, he traveled all over the world teaching fire investigators and was a mentor to anyone he met, freely giving his time and knowledge. After state service until the end of his career, Rod was an Investigator of fire and explosions with Kubitz & Associates, Inc.

Rod was a sportsman and advocate for preserving the beauty of the Northwoods. Hunter of many types of game in WI, western US, and Canada, with one of his favorites being bird hunting locally with friends and dogs he dearly loved. He spent much time on WI and Canadian lakes and streams enjoying fishing. He loved his "Land," where he blazed new trails, cleared brush with his tractor, planted trees, vegetables for the deer, and clover areas for grouse. It was his place of solace, peace, and sanctuary.

Rod, aka Marshal Fire, was a fierce but fair competitor, advocate, and mentor for the sport of Old West Cowboy Action Shooting and Wild Bunch Action Shooting. Marshal was the winner of many shiny belt buckles. In many ways, he lived his life the Cowboy Way. He was a relentless warrior who showed courage and grit in his 8-year fight against cancer.

Rod is survived by his wife Barbara of 42 years; daughter Laura (Will) Bradley; son William (Kaitlyn) Pevytoe; grandsons Franklin and Hugh Bradley and Mason and Logan Pevytoe; and cousins and friends.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents William and Joyce (Forbish) Pevytoe; brother Jeffrey Pevytoe; aunts; uncles; and grandparents.

Visitation and Celebration of Life Service will take place at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 105 N. First Street, Eagle River, WI on Saturday June 6, 2026. Details to be determined.

We thank the numerous caring staff that we met along Rod's medical journey including at Aspirus Hospital Eagle River, Seasons of Life Hospice House, Froedtert Hospital Cancer Center, Milwaukee and UW Health Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, particularly Nataliya Uboha, MD, PHD and her staff.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Memorial contributions to:

Howard Young Foundation in support of Seasons of Life Hospice House Patient Care

Donations online at howardyoungfoundation.org/give designating 'Seasons of Life Hospice,' or by mailing tribute gifts to Howard Young Foundation – Seasons of Life, PO Box 10, Minocqua, WI 54548 OR Gifts in "Honoree" memory may be made online to support UW Carbone Cancer Center Patient Experience Fund at this giving link: https://supportuw.org/giveto/CarbonePatientExpFund-Pevytoe or mail checks made payable to UW Foundation; address: UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-8807 with a note to direct as a tribute to the "UW Carbone Cancer Center Patient Experience Fund # 112900383 in memory of Rodney Pevytoe."