Rodney Novenske
Rodney “Rod” A. Novenske, 84 of St. Ignace, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at his winter residence in Zephyrhills, Florida.
He was born to August and Jean Novenske in Brevort Township on July 3, 1938. He grew up in Moran, Michigan among family and friends, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and the wilderness in general. His first entrepreneurial venture was here selling nightcrawlers to the avid fisherman visiting Brevort Lake. He told stories of his mother taking her time to walk the grounds with him at one a.m., helping him collect the elusive assets.
He attended La Salle High School and graduated in 1957. Upon graduation he left for basic training in the United States Marine Corp. He was trained in aviation electronics with time at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico. He concluded his service at Cherry Point, North Carolina in 1959.
Following his military service, Rod returned to St. Ignace. Over the next several decades, he operated multiple businesses, became a journeyman electrician and ultimately retired after fifteen years as a corrections officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections. He received the most coveted honor, the Jack Budd Award.
Rod was extremely patriotic, his warmth, kindness and friendly personality always shone through. He was not above adding a bit of humor to any situation. He was a lifelong Lutheran in his faith, with a deep admiration for the little Allenville church of his youth. He was active in the choir with an incredible voice. He enjoyed playing numerous musical instruments, shooting pool, playing golf and in his youth, baseball. He often reminisced on his knuckleball being “untouchable”.
He remained an avid Detroit Tigers fan, looking forward to spring training trips to Joker Marchant Stadium with family and friends. Rod was a member of the AmVets, American Legion, Elks Club, Moose Club and Jaycees.
Rod is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years Linda (maiden Cobe-Farr); sons, Brien Novenske of Santa Cruz, California and Ronn Farr of St. Ignace; daughters, Nicole Novenske of Harrietta, MI, Noelle Novenske of Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Jennifer Novenske of Lansing, MI. He is survived by his precious grandchildren, Briana and Wynn Pietarinen, Cooper (wife Paula) and Mackenzie Farr. He adored his many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Jean Novenske, sisters Yvonne (Vern) Erskine and Fayda Green Massey. He was also preceded by his late grandson, Basil Tarchinski, whom he adored.
Rod’s services will be held at a later date.
–As submitted by the family of Rodney Novenske
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