Walter W. Rodd

Walter Rodd

April 6, 1946 – September 11, 2025

Walter Wayne Rodd, age 79 of Monroe, passed away suddenly at home on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Born April 6, 1946 in Temperance, MI. He was the son of the late Herbert and Ruth (Braun) Rodd. After high school, Walt enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War where he was honorably discharged.

Walt first married Ruth Ann Briskey and together they had two sons. He later married Sharon Werstein, and they had a daughter. Later in life, he found love again with Conni Colpeart. They met in 2011 through their love of karate and have been together for 14 years ever since.

Walt worked at Ford Motor Company at the Woodhaven Stamping Plant as a lineman for 30 years before retiring. He was a long-time member of the American Legion and at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. Walt was also a part of the Michigan Pigeon Club and used to raise them and let them fly back home as well as attend pigeon shows. Walt was also into CB Radio whose CB Handle was White Dragon.

Walts lifelong passion was practicing and teaching karate. He taught at numerous dojos all throughout Monroe County. Most recently he taught at the UAW Local 387 in Flat Rock. In 2017, Walt traveled to Korea and studied under the Grand Master Kim Jae Soon to receive his master title. Once he achieved his title, he then became Senior Grand Master 9th Degree Black Belt Tang Soo Do. In 2021, his family celebrated his 50 years of dedication to his love of karate.

In his free time outside of karate, he enjoyed visiting the Toledo Zoo, travelling to places like Florida, and going out to eat. Walt liked to be outside in nature, where he enjoyed working on his vegetable garden to later can them. Take walks out at Sterling State Park and go canoeing.

Walt was also a very generous person and became a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross. Over a certain amount of time, he donated over 10 gallons of blood. But he also donated plasma and bone marrow. Most importantly, he treasured his family, especially his great granddaughter and special friend, Squeaky who had him wrapped around their fingers. Walt will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.

Beloved father of Wayne (Shellie) Rodd, Thomas Rodd, and Kimberly (Chris Pletz) Rodd. Loving grandfather of Tim Rodd, Ann Rodd, Tyler Rodd, Josh Rodd, Nick Rodd, Aleesha Colpeart, Robert Zimmerman, Alanna Colpeart, Emberleigh Perry, Connor Zimmerman, and Carson Zimmerman. Great Grandfather of Riverlynn Williams. Also survived by his loving companion, Conni Colpeart.

In addition to his parents, Walt was preceded in death by siblings: Larry, Herbie, and Judith Rodd, as well as two infant brothers.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home from 2 until 8 pm. A funeral service will be on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church starting at 11 am. Officiating is Pastor Lee Cullen. Burial will follow to Gethsemane Cemetery, where a Military Honor Guard service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Walt are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com