Rodney Alan Sharp

Rodney Alan Sharp
Sands Twp – Rodney A. Sharp (Rod), 76, entered eternal life, on Friday afternoon, December 22, 2023. He passed away at home peacefully and surrounded by his entire family he loved so dearly.
Rod was born February 9, 1947 to Irma & Clarence (Bud) Sharp in Ishpeming MI. He was a lifelong Palmer resident. He graduated from Negaunee High School. After graduation he was enlisted in the US Marine Corp. for 2 Years of which he was so proud of. Rod was a Volunteer Fire Fighter as well as an EMS Volunteer of Richmond Twp. Rod also helped teach EMS classes. He served on the Richmond Township Board. His 34-year career was at Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. as a Maintenance Mechanic. He worked Underground at the Mather B for 15 years & Retired from Empire Mine in 1999. Six months after retirement he began his courageous battle with Cancer and then a few years later a Stroke. In his earlier days Rod was an Amazing Dancer & Loved to Dance anywhere. He was able to enjoy trips to Dominican Republic, Mexico, & Jamaica, Nashville & Florida. He loved going to the Grandchildren's activities & games. Having anyone come and take him for a ride was a thrill, whether it was in a car or boat. In the later years his love was Bonanza & Gunsmoke. He would say "Shush this show is a new one"!
He was the devoted and loving husband of Kristina Sharp, whom he married on September 2, 1995. They have resided in Sands Township for 28 years.
Rod is survived by his loving wife, Kristina, and a Proud Dad of 5 children who will miss him deeply and have fond memories of his laughter and zest for life: Greg Sharp, Marquette – Cindy (John) Dorn, Appleton, WI – Lisa (Bob) Strohm, Skandia – Lindsay Heino, Negaunee – Amy (David) Cardinal, Lansing, MI.
Grandchildren: Helana Sharp, Kenzi Sharp, Jakob Dorn, Ethan Dorn, Michael Rector, Andrew Strohm, Marissa Strohm, Mara (Chris) Heino, Keira Heino, Lindsay (Roger)Ackerman, Chelsea (Tristen) Rockafellow
Great Grandchildren: Eli Rector, Aurora Rector, Miriam Ackerman, Natalia Ackerman, Alice Rockafellow & Ariya Rockafellow. His little pal canine who would sit on his lap, Misha.
Rod also leaves behind his sister, Sandra Dees of Marquette and Brother, Jeff (Teresa) Sharp of Gwinn. Sister-In-Laws: Paulette (Sam)Massenburg, Linda (Martin) Talsma, Brothers- In-Laws: Barry (Michele) Bahrman, Steven (Barbara) Bahrman, Dan (Pam) Bahrman, & David (Karen) Bahrman. Many Special Cousins & Nieces & Nephews & Many Special Friends, one in particular, Fran Nelson.
Rod has been reunited with his parents, Irma & Bud Sharp, his Mother and Father- in-Law, Arline & Harold Bahrman, & Brother, Joe Sharp, & Several Aunts & Uncles & Cousins.
Rod was a Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa (PaPa) & Friend. His legacy will live on through the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing & laughing with him.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral & Cremation Services on Saturday, December 30th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm with Services beginning at 1:00 pm with Rev. Bill Hill Officiating. Immediately Following the Service, a Reception will be held at the Funeral Home. Final resting place will be in Skandia Cemetery.
The family would like to express to Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice their deepest gratitude for the support and loving care that they gave to Rod & his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of donor's choice.
The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswansonhansen.com