Rodney "Hot Rod" Rhodaberger, 69, of Butler, lost his battle to Glioblastoma Tuesday Aug. 25, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones at home.

Born Feb. 5,1957 in Butler Pa to the late Robert L. Rhodaberger and Jane A. Osche Rhodaberger.

He proudly served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army from 1978 to 1983. He went on to work several different jobs to support his family. He worked at Castle Rubber, Logan's Candy, ARC, MSA Safety and several others, finally retiring from General Electric. He was also self-employed by operating Rhodaberger Water Drilling and then Rhodaberger Stumping and Grinding.

Rod's proudest accomplishment was his wife of 45 years. He married Josephine Marie Geibel on July 11, 1981, at St. Wendelin Church of Carbon Center. They made a beautiful life with each other, raising seven children. They taught their children to love by example, such as Rod holding her hand everywhere they went or slow dancing in the kitchen just because. When asked how they kept their marriage alive Josie would say "if he messes up, hit him" and Rod's response was "just let her hit you". To them marriage works only when you work hard, but love harder!

Rod was a member of St. John's Church of Fenelton, where he enjoyed cooking breakfast for the members. He was also a gold card member of Happy Hunters Sportsman's Club where he would take his children target shooting, keep the Christmas magic alive, and enjoy the company of the other members. He also was a member and prior President of the RC Men's Club where he also cooked breakfast on the first Sunday of the month, and loved taking his wife to their dances. As we all know Rod loved to drink IC Light and make friends which led to additional memberships at the American Legion Post No. 117 of Butler, East Butler Firehall, Italian Society of Butler, Moose Lodge 962 of Chicora, French and Belgium Club of Butler, Penfield Vol. Fire Department, May Hollow Sportsman's Club of Driftwood, and many more.

He shared a lifelong love of hunting with his children, grandchildren, and friends. His happy spot was at his camp in DuBois where he spent a large amount of his time with his wife and family. He loved to visit the Elkview Center and drive around Benezette trying to locate elk, deer, and bear. Rod loved camping with friends and family at Happy Nine, Lucky T Lodge, and what he called "The Mountains" (a big open piece of property) all in Benezette where he loved going on walks, sitting around campfires, drinking, and telling stories.

Rod was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend. He is survived by his wife Josephine Marie Geibel Rhodaberger. His six children, Christine Manchester (fiancé Dale Hertweck), Nathaniel (Jenna) Rhodaberger, Gabriella (Derik) Neff, Stephanie (Ryan) Baldauf, Elizabeth (Adam) Schnur, and Johnathan (Ashley) Rhodaberger. Three bonus children Katie (Lance) Hinton, Randy (Meagan) Snyder, and Brian Stutz. Thirty grandchildren Jordan (Grace) Hertweck, Destiny (Aidan) Jeffers, Byron Manchester (fiancé Madison Tressler), Felicity Neff, Anastasia Manchester, Janaya Hogan, Damian Neff, Isabell Manchester, Christian Neff, Natalie Baldauf, Michael Manchester, Molly Schnur, Simeon Rhodaberger, Xavier Neff, Heidi Manchester, Maggie Schnur, Layla Baldauf, Silas Rhodaberger, Miriam Rhodaberger, Emily Rhodaberger, Mara Rhodaberger, Logan Snyder, Kameron Hertweck, Bryson Hertweck, Nora Hinton, Weston Rhodaberger, Lenin Snyder. Three great grandchildren Hallie Jeffers, Elia Jeffers, Layla Hertweck. His mother Jane A. Rhodaberger. Siblings sister in law Judy Rhodaberger, Laura Eakman, Karen (Paul) Snyder, Nancy (George) Rodgers, Rube (Anita) Rhodaberger, Leah (Dave) Kriley, Nadine (Kenny) Kriley, Tracy (Jake) Snyder, Amy Rhodaberger, AJ (Dawna) Rhodaberger, Troy Rhodaberger, and Janette (Dave) Stephenson. 106 nieces and nephews, and a bunch of great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son Sylvester Rhodaberger, his father Robert Rhodaberger, brother Kenny Rhodaberger, brother in laws Harry Eakman and Dale Swatzlander, grandchild Leo Snyder and nephews Nick Geibel and Vincent Rodgers.

Friends and family of Rod will be received from 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday Aug. 30th at Martin Funeral Home Downtown, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.  Monday,  Aug. 31, at Ss. Francis and Clare Parish, St John R.C. Church,  668 S. Clearfield Rd, Fenelton PA 16034, with Rev. Matt McClain officiating.

Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery by American Legion Post 778, VFW Post 249, and VFW Post 499.

Burial will follow in Saint John's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please take a child, grandchild, or great grandchild on an adventure and hold the memories close to your heart.