Submitted by: Dan Rich

Alfred A. Rodts

Jan. 14, 1923 - Jan. 26, 2004

South Bend Tribune 2/4/2004

Alfred A. "Al" Rodts, 81, of Beverly Hills, Fla., formerly of Mishawaka, died on Monday, Jan. 26, in Beverly Hills. He was born on Jan. 14, 1923, to the late Theophiel and Irma (Janssens) Rodts, and was a native of Hartwick, Iowa. Alfred moved from Bremen, Ind., to Beverly Hills in 1987.

He retired as a captain and fire inspector in 1975 with 20 years on the job with the City of Mishawaka Fire Department in Indiana. He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Beverly Hills, and was a U.S. World War II Navy veteran. Mr. Rodts loved nature, especially wild birds, and loved building Purple Martin and Bluebird houses. He was a Notre Dame football fan and also a NASCAR fan. He spent his life caring for his family. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Del E. Rodts of Beverly Hills; two sons and their wives, Eric M. and Cyndi Rodts of Dunedin, Fla., and Alan M. and Mary Beth Rodts of Plato, Mo.; four daughters and their husbands, Diane M. Rodts and husband, Charles Miranda of Des Moines, Iowa, Lorraine L. Rodts and husband, John Langley of Bloomington, Ind., Marianne E. Rodts Brooks and husband, Keith Brooks of Osceola, Ind., and Sheryl E., M.D., and Paul Rodts-Palenik of Lafayette, La.; and by 12 grandchildren.

Services were at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Beverly Hills, with Reverend Paul Mizener officiating. Entombment followed at Fero Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Fero Funeral Home, 5955 North Lecanto Hwy., Beverly Hills. A prayer service was held at 3 p.m. with Father George officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Citrus County or to the American Lung Association.