Memorial

Arthur Jay Roderick, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2021. He was 84. To honor Art’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a simple visitation will be held on Monday May 31, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. 

Art was born on February 3, 1937 in Brodhead, Wisconsin. In 1956, he married his true love Rae Staffeld.  Together they had three children. Forever a proud Badger fan, Art graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1959. He moved to Cedar Rapids and worked as a mechanical engineer for Rockwell Collins for 35 years. Art’s greatest joy was being a father and grandfather. He was adored by his family. Art loved spending time with his close friends and family, playing cards, camping, working puzzles and playing tennis. Art was an active volunteer, including kindergarten-science, FIRST LEGO robotics and building wheelchair ramps. Art was recognized for his volunteering efforts as one of five Freedom Festival 2007 Heroes and received a Governor’s Volunteer Award in 2010. Art was one of the most gentle, kind and generous people you could meet. He brought smiles to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. 

Art was preceded in death by his wife Rae Roderick and parents, Marion and Minnie (Veek) Roderick. He is survived by his three children: Al (Diane) Roderick, Sue (Jim) Muench and Lisa Romig, his eight grandchildren, Kathy Brooks, Kristin (Brent) Beswick, Matt Roderick (Erin Stein), Michael (Jackie) Muench, Kyra (Patrick) Jacobson, Chris Roderick, Kimberly (Adam) Pladna and Jordan Romig, and eight (soon to be nine) great grandchildren.

In Lieu of flowers or memorial donations, Art wishes to be remembered in simple acts of kindness. In his memory, please pay it forward by taking time to brighten someone’s day. 

The family would like to thank the Keystones of Cedar Rapids Assisted Living and Care Initiatives Hospice for all their compassion and care with Art.