Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
JOHN ROODA Obituary
JOHN W. ROODA
Age 65 of Ross Township, passed away October 21, 2010. he is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 38 years, Linda (nee Brown); and two sons, W. John Rooda of Dearborn Heights, MI and David M. Rooda of Ross Township. He is also survived by his aunt, Edith Ward of Crown Point; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Harriet Livingston Rooda; and sister, Carolyn Underwood. John graduated from Horace Mann High School in Gary and Indiana University School of Business. He served in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1974. He was employed by the USS Gary Works as an accountant and retired from the E.J. & E. Railway. He was a a member of Gary Lodge #677 F. & A.M., Scottish Rite, and Orak Shrine. John served his community as a public official for over 34 years. He was elected to the Merrillville Town Council in 1976 and reelected in 1980. He was elected Ross Township Trustee in 1982 and reelected for six more terms. He currently served as the President of the Indiana United Township Association. Friends may visit at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN on Monday, October 25, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at Burns Funeral Home, with Rev. Theodore Poteres officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to VNA Hospice Center, 2404 Valparaiso Street, Valparaiso, IN. John sincerely appreciated the support of the residents of Ross Township and felt honored for the opportunity to serve. He was the very definition of public servant.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN ROODA
Bill Hutson
November 3, 2010
Linda and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May God be with you during this time of sorrow and need.
John will always be remembered as one of the "Good Guys". He always had time to say hello and was always willing to help any way he could.
I regret not being able to attend the services as I am negotiating a speedbump with the aid of chemo therapy. Be assured that I was there in spirit.
Bill Hutson
Phylissa Gutierrez
October 31, 2010
Too the Rooda fsmily:
With shock and dismay I heard of John's passing. When we first came here in September 10 years ago, he helped our family out so much that first winter!!! Got on my feet after that, but have never forgotten what a kind gentleman he was. May God bless you in your sorrow; will be praying for you all.
Sincerely,
Phylissa (Early) Gutierrez and family
Linda Popovich
October 27, 2010
Linda and family,
My deepest sympathy.
Harry Sims
October 26, 2010
Back in 1992 I was a 16year old kid and a sophmore at Merrillville High School. Just a regular kid that knew he needed a job to earn some money. I remember my job interview for Hidden Lake...scared out of my mind I was. I remember JR coming back from his office in the back of the Township Office and he looked at me and said, "Come on back here Harry". He was a very tall/big person, had a ciggerate in his mouth and he didn't look happy. When I sat in front of him in the office, he sat at his desk in front of me, smoke in the air and looked right at me with his glasses just lowered below his eyes. His two friends and Hidden Lake managers, Glen Miller and Bill Solich where there also. All three of them just staring asking me questions. Here I am a 16 year old kid with his first job interview, it was intense for me to say the least.
I worked for JR all through High School with some of my other classmates and we just loved working for him and that office. We were all very proud to be Ross Township employees, working for JR.
Linda, John, David and Donna Stath know who is "JR", so let me fill in the rest of you. When John Rooda needed something done and he wrote Ross Township memos, he would always sign JR, thats it. It was JR (John Rooda) and when Rooda needed somthing done, my supervisor at the time Terry Small, would say "JR needs this thing done" or "JR is in the park, get off your butts and go clean the bathrooms". So as a group of young kids, we all talked of him by JR, that was it. I guess at some point I tested the waters and started calling him JR in front of people. I know Linda was shocked when she first heard it! But I think right away, JR took it as a term of endearment and didn't fire my butt right there on the spot. Soon after that all of my co-workers called him JR.
Even after High school, in college and throughout my adult life, I never forgot about my first boss and was always there when he needed help (sitting in that 30year old RV), passing out papers for JR's next election. "I think this is the last time Harry", Linda would always say to me. I knew that wasnt true and that JR loved being the Trustee, loved making sure that Ross Township kids (Merrillville Kids) had a place to play softball, socer, ice skating, a sled hill...etc... He also was committed to help the poor and had a profound respect for the elderly community.
These are the reasons why he was my friend and these where the reasons why I was always there for him when he needed help. An Elected Offical, who really cared and did everything he could for his community. There isnt that many people like that left in our area, JR was one of the best men I have ever known.
I only hope the person that fills his shoes, can be half the man he was, Ross Township will be better off for it. I hope the person that fills his shoes, uses the office of the "Trustee" to maintain the things that JR accomplished and doesn't use the office to say "Im an elected Offical" and I make $40,000.00 a year, what can I do next". As long as I knew him, JR never wanted to be anything but the Ross Township Trustee.
I always had and always will have a profound respect for JR. He was a mentor of mine at a young age and I was just honored to be associated with him and his family. Thank you JR for everything you have done for me. You and your family will be forever in my prayers.
Linda, John and David, I love you guys...I'm so sorry for your loss. He was taken before his time. But thanks Linda, John and David for letting me be a part of JR's life, I was and will forever be a better man for it.
Sincerly and Respectfully,
Harry A. Sims
Kimberly Smith
October 26, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss- please know that God walks with you on this journey. May God continue to fill you with peace each day and bring you joy in all things.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Georgiann Pangere
October 26, 2010
Steve and I were stunned to hear the news of John's passing. He was so much a part of our community for so many years that it will be disturbing not to see him at events, meetings or fundraisers. We are grateful for having known him.
Teri Kopil
October 26, 2010
Mrs. Rooda, and family,
Mr. Rooda was always someone to be admired for his dedication and service to others, both personally and politically. He worked with my mother, and my brother throughout the year, and especially during election times. It was his fairness and honesty that led me to become more politically involved and aware of things in my community. Whether Republican or Democrat, he was a wonderful example that people could genuinely care, and serve others without serving themselves or hidden agendas. I will miss seeing him around at the polls. I will be praying that you and your family will find comfort and strength in this difficult time.
Mamie Roberts
October 25, 2010
Linda, John and David........I am so very sorry to see of John's passing.He was always so much fun to be around. I will remember all the happy times at the softball field and parties at your house. You have my heartfelt sympathy. Sincerely, Mamie Roberts
Ross Township Staff
October 25, 2010
The staff of the Ross Township Trustee's Office is deeply saddened by the loss of their boss and friend, John W. Rooda. Our hearts and prayers are with his family at this time. Mr. Rooda was dedicated to serving the residents of Ross Township. He worked hard to make sure that our less fortunate residents were given a helping hand and had a deep compassion for assisting the townships' senior citizens. The community has lost a great friend and servant.
October 25, 2010
Dear Rooda Faimly,
My deepest sympathy on John's passing. This was a shock. Your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Creech Family
October 25, 2010
Linda, my thoughts are with you and your sons at this sad time. My sincere condolences.
Dawn Bailey
Kathy Keith
October 25, 2010
David:
Very sorry to hear about your loss. I never know your dad but if he is anything like you, I'm sure he was a wonderful person. If you need anything, I'm here at work for you.
Terry Tiernan
October 25, 2010
Dear Rooda Family,
I am deeply saddened by Mr Rooda's passing. I worked for him as caretaker at Hidden Lake Park for 5 years. He single handedly reversed that facilities' downhill slide and created Ross Township's "Jewel In Its' Crown". "Big John" was a good and fair human being and I remember and admire him to this day. Make God bless his family. My prayers will be for you all at Sunday mass.
Cindy Bires
October 25, 2010
So sorry to hear that John has passed away. I worked with John at the EJ&E. He was my mentor. He tought me a lot about the railroad. He made my career so much easier. I will always keep fond memories of him.
Leo Ditchcreek, Jr.
October 25, 2010
My deepest sympathy on the recent passing of John. It has been a very long time since I had worked with him on various community projects in Merrillville. I will always fondly remember those times.
Lloyd Fravel
October 25, 2010
Linda, may the peace of the Lord be with you and your family during this difficult time. John will be missed by all who knew him, he was the example to follow as a dedicated Public Official!
Barb Ranfranz
October 25, 2010
So sad to hear of John's passing. He was a great guy and we had lots of fun at GOP doings. He will be greatly missed. May God heal your heart.
Barb and Jim Ranfraz
Cape Coral, FL
Kimberly Smith
October 25, 2010
John, your friends and co-workers at Ford Motor Company have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers!!!
Bill Lieber
October 25, 2010
Dear Linda, John & David,
I am shocked to hear of John's passing and send my sincere sympathy to you at this sad time. I regret that I am unable to express them in person but will be thinking of you. He will be missed. Take care and God bless.
October 24, 2010
Our families path crossed with John so many times over the pass 40 or so years,it was always a pleasant,helpful,friendly meeting.John will always be remembered as a political icon in Merrillville and Ross Township, in our family he will be remembered as a great friend. Don,Marian &Steve Pozgay , Chrissy(Pozgay)Tabor Fort Myers /NorthPort Florida
October 24, 2010
Linda; Sharon and I have many happy memories of the times we shared with you and John, like our wedding. We are sorry for your loss and pray that God watches over John and your family. John & Sharon Starzyk
October 24, 2010
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was such a kind and caring person. I'm the secretary at the church where he arranged the voting to be held, and he was always so easy to work with. My heart breaks for you, because I lost my husband on March 28, 2010, and I know what you are feeling and going through. Please know that I and my church will be praying for you and your family. May God comfort you during these painful days.
Dee Macchia (Hobart, IN)
Steve Nolan
October 24, 2010
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Rooda family. We always appreciated John providing summer work for our two sons. Our prayers are with the Rooda family.
Tom Bettenhausen
October 23, 2010
We enjoyed the business and personal time we spent with John. May he rest in peace - may God bless John's family.
October 23, 2010
I am shocked by this news. It was only a month ago that we saw Mr. Rooda at my father's wake. Mr. Rooda will always be a part of our childhood, since we spent most of our lives at Ross Pool in Merrillville.
Be comforted by all of the kind words, warmth, and prayers that will come your way today and in the days to come.
May his memory be eternal.
Denise (Orlich) Kangrga
Chandler, AZ
Sam Polizzotto
October 23, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with him. It was great to have John on the side of the union helping people.
October 23, 2010
Linda:
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. John was a caring and close associate at the "J".
Phil and Sharon Mac Farlane
Dottie Gillham
October 23, 2010
Dear Linda and boys, No words can express my sorrow at this time for your loss.You have lost a lifetime partner and friend. nothing can describe the loss for the boys. You know my friendship goes back 40 years. Good times and a few BATTLES? But through it all friends forever!!!
Mark Kopil
October 23, 2010
Whether you were a democrat or a republican, you could always count on him to look at the big picture. He was not a politician, he was a PUBLIC SERVANT. He did whatever it took to get the job done, and helped thousands. I was lucky to know him. Linda and family, I'm trully sorry for your loss.
John & Terri Kopack
October 23, 2010
John was always a straight shooter and a stand-up guy who put family and friends first and politics second. So sorry to hear of your loss. We'll all miss him dearly.
Judge Julie Cantrell
October 23, 2010
John Rooda was a true public servant. He was always a gentleman to deal with. Knowing him made life richer. May his family take comfort in their happy memories. May John rest in peace.
October 23, 2010
Dear Linda, John and David,
I want to tell you how sorry I am about the loss of our dear friend John. He grew up just down the street from us and was my brother Morry's best friend.He always seemed like a big brother to me.
Whenever I would see John he would regale me with old stories always leaving me with a smile on my face.
We will miss him dearly. may G-d bless your family.
Sincerely Harry Frank
Yvonne Orlich
October 23, 2010
Dear Linda and Family,
Please accept the deepest sympathies from the Orlich family.May +John rest in peace and may you and your family find comfort in the knowledge that +John was well-respected by so many.
Yvonne Orlich
Brian Dering
October 23, 2010
John was a great friend. Not only to my family but to the entire community. This fine, honest, proper, and great leader was a true gentleman and man of the people, who cared about us all. He will be sorely missed.
Good journey Brother John.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in JOHN ROODA's name
Memorial Events
for JOHN ROODA
Funeral services provided by:
Burns Funeral Home & Crematory - Crown Point10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307
How to support JOHN's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor JOHN ROODA's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
