Edward "Ed" M. Rodden

Edward "Ed" Rodden, born 10/23/49, has finally been set free from the clutches of dementia/Alzheimer’s and isolation, which took him away from us way too soon, over the last year at Heritage Court Memory Care. After moving in early July to Seasons inpatient Hospice care, on July 11th, early a.m. Ed went to be with Jesus, praising his Lord and Savior, as he always loved to do. Ed will be forever missed and loved by Linda, blessed to be his wife and grateful for his unconditional love and total commitment to their marriage of 30 very special years together. Ed loved his 4 children, more than they realized, Edward Rodden II, Kimberly (Mark) Benedict, Erin (Jeff) Borgardt, and Trish/Patricia Soholt. Grandpa Ed was forever grateful for and delighted with his grandchildren, Drew 14, Joshua 12, and Emily 10 Benedict, whose sports games he always appreciated watching, and sometimes got to practice with them for fun, along with enjoying many other activities of their choice. After retiring, Ed joined Linda volunteering at their Burleigh elementary school, where they hung art and was often called grandpa Ed by many students passing by. Ezrin Soholt 4 made him a proud grandpa as he saw him start to grow, walking and talking, and have his own sweet personality. Jaxon Borgardt 1 whose pictures grandpa was only able to enjoy as much as possible when his disease was overtaking his life while in memory care. Never enough time with them, but watching over them now. Along with his children and grandchildren are many good times with other very special family members, dearly loved friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ, with precious memories and times of treasured celebrations together. Such special people who brought so much warmth and joy into Ed’s short life and tender heart on all occasions spent together. Those who knew and loved Ed will mourn the loss of his unique sense of humor and often dynamic presence in life. He was always ready to crack a joke when least expected and he delighted in the laughter of others. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Bernadine Rodden. Other family members include his sisters Susan Driscoll, and Mary (John) Heim, along with nieces and nephews, and other relatives. Earlier in life, Ed struggled with hardships, including his house burning down, a tornado taking it down, and a sad divorce with 3 young children. Searching for answers and healing, Ed found those answers in the hope and promises of God. As he grew in faith in Jesus and the truth of the Bible, Eds life was changing and so was his heart, and unashamedly he always praised the Lord, upfront and raised hands held high. Eventually he met and married Linda, dedicated to blending their families, and working hard in the grocery business for over 45 years to faithfully support his family. Eds purpose in life was to love Jesus, share eternal salvation with others, glorify God, and love his family, putting his faith and trust in the Holy Spirits guidance. Ed also pursued his dream of going to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School through an outreach program at Elmbrook church for a Master of Arts in Religion and graduated in May of 2000. He used those skills to disciple and mentor men, lead men’s bible studies, couples studies and blended family studies. He modeled to others how to pray and visited people in hospitals and other communities, also volunteering in other church ministries, and going on 2 missions trips to Mexico and Tajikistan. He lived out his faith, not with perfection, but with perseverance, repentance and humility, always willing to learn and follow Gods leading. Ed will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He walked into the arms of Jesus, hearing well done good and faithful servant, now to soar high. Until we are together again dear Ed...“those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ So many more wonderful memories of a godly man to share. A Celebration of Life will be held at Elmbrook Church (777 S. Barker Road, Brookfield) on Saturday, August 28th. A visitation will be held at 10 am with the service to follow at 11 am. A pizza lunch will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.