Rodney J. Barsztaitis

Rodney J. Barsztaitis, age 61, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday December 6, 2015 at his home.

A prayer service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015, at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Reverend David Kipfer officiating.  Immediately following the prayer service, visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  After the visitation, the family would like to invite everyone to the “Rockin’ the River for Rodney” benefit to be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at H2O Bar and Grill, 935 East Main Street, Ottawa, starting at 3:00 p.m.

Rodney was born May 4, 1954 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, the son of Raymond J. and Josephine M. (Falk) Barsztaitis.  He is survived by his parents, Josephine Gallup of La Salle and Raymond J. (Joette) Barsztaitis of Peru; his son, Shaun Barsztaitis of Muskegon, Michigan; a granddaughter, Victoria Barsztaitis of Muskegon, Michigan; his brothers and sisters, Karen (Alex) Dutkiewicz of La Salle, Raymond A. Barsztaitis (Sue Trost) of Utica, Katherine Ketchum of Peru, and Randall Barsztaitis of Peru; a half-sister, Julie Welker of Fort Wayne, Indiana; as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his very close friends, Michael and Brenda Bedeker.

Rodney was an auto mechanic and had worked for Partridge Marathon for more than 20 years.  Rodney was a member of Shoreline Boat Club and was an avid boater.  He has been a legend on the river and in the area for many years because of his outgoing contagious personality, love of boats, boating, and his many friends.  He was always ready to offer help to anyone in need, expecting nothing in return.  He was loved by everyone who knew him.  Rodney was also devoted to his family and cherished those times spent with them.