Mr. Rodney Duderstadt

On June 3rd, 2020, Rodney Lanier Duderstadt born July 5, 1939, went to be with his other angels; parents Freddie and Yvonne Duderstadt, Ashely Commerford, Rodney Lanier Duderstadt III, Vivian Ward, and Anna’s parents Bertha and Wilkes Kothmann. Brother Little Raymond and niece Kim, Uncle Jerry Lightsy. Dane and Jo Nell Brown who were his friends for 72 years. Telena Lehne, who he loved like his child as well. His friends and loved ones from the Dutch Oven Society Big John and Billie Jean, Doris Crisp, and Irene were waiting for him by the campfire where in life, they spent many hours in fellowship. Rodney leaves behind the love of his life Anna Kothmann Duderstadt, who he was married for 61 years. He is survived by daughter Ireland Duderstadt, daughter Torrie Commerford and her son Mikel and his family Lauren and Grayson Jennings of San Antonio, son Rodney Lanier Duderstadt II “Duder” and his wife and daughter Lora Lea and Lura Duderstadt of San Angelo, daughter Fredna DeCarlo and wife Wilma Arbis and their daughter Imili of Houston, Trinity Duderstadt, Sterling Duderstadt of Menard, and Demishan Duderstadt and wife Marcela and children Peyton, Gage and Lucian of Houston, daughter Greta Duderstadt of Menard, Clifford Wallace, and grandson Scotland Wallace. His other children, Scott Kerns, Lee Walston, Pete Guerro, and Scotty Bayless, Brother and sister in law Charles Kothmann Lill Kothmann, nieces Merlina Gamel, Charla Balding, and Meala Edmonson, and families, sisters Sharon Walley and husband Steve, Jeanne, Glenda, cousin Jo LaRue, as well as his extended Ward family that he came to know and love dearly late in his life. He felt so blessed to be welcomed and loved in return by his family. Rodney also leaves behind incredible special friends that he loved. Sharon aka “twinkle toes” and Dickie Key, Tracy Duggar and Mia, Nick, and Carolina Ortega. From France Marine Hannon, who he loved as his own child and her parents Nicole and Herv’e, Hannon brothers Julian and Guillaume, who brought him so much laughter, love, and peace, and from Colombia, Maria Alejandra aka “Lasagna”, and Angela Maldonado Suarez. Benny Fred Kothmann became especially important to him. He brought him comfort and friendship with his frequent visits after his illness limited his ability to get out. Then some who started as healthcare providers, became friends and then family over the years. We could not have done this without your caring love. Dr. Ruben Tenerio and his staff Gail, Elly, Koristal, Michelle, Jennifer, Yolanda, Serenity, and Ron of San Antonio, and Dr. Stevenson and the Devita Dialysis Center staff, who gave him excellent care, and many hours of laughter while he was “in the chair” he loved you all, thank you for your loving care and friendship. Larry and Earnest, who spent many hours traveling back and forth to San Angelo with Rodney for dialysis. He had the privilege of being the Dutch Oven Society President. He loved Dutch oven cooking and all the people he met while traveling. They turned into lifelong friends; he treasured all of them. He owned and operated the Duderstadt Cartoon Train and found great pleasure, bringing joy and laughter to all the children who rode it for years. He owned the Menard Texaco, The Menard Car Shop, and Menard Floral, where he worked with Anna for over fourteen years. Rodney was a lifelong rancher, first working for Jimmy Powell and then owning his land. Everyone knew Rodney was a Jack of all trades; there was nothing he could not do or would not do for his friends and family. His door was always open to those he loved. Rodney had wonderful memories with those friends. He enjoyed fishing with Alex, and his dear friend Wayne Davis, Rodney would not want to fly away without one last wave goodbye to friends, Jack and Dorothy Asbill, David and Martha Haygood, Glenda, Jerry, Gene, and Jackie Crisp, Eddie and Jackie Wallace, Carol Cummings, Matthew and Katie and husband, Bobby and Pal, and everyone else that he could not resist playing a joke on. He lived in and loved Menard his whole life. He was always there with a smile and a helping hand to anyone that he saw he could help. He was a simple man who lived a simple life that will leave behind a vast and unfillable void. Pallbearers: Mikel Jennings, Demishan Duderstadt, Trinity Duderstadt, Sterling Duderstadt, Richard Key, Don Kerns. Honorary Pallbearers: Kenneth Kordizik, Charles Kothmann, Robert Ward, Gene Crisp, Buck Miller, Willard Wagner, Dr. Ruben Tenorio, Charlie Gillispie. Memorial Denotations in Rodney’s name may be given to the Menard Boys and Girls Club.

Mr. Rodney Duderstadt

July 5, 1939 - June 3, 2020