Dennis “Rodie” Rodeman was born on January 27, 1980, in Charlotte, Michigan, to Max and Tonya (Hester) Rodeman. His life was tragically cut short on September 9, 2015, after he was intentionally struck by a passing motorist while participating in a fundraising event.
Dennis was a distinguished veteran, having served several tours overseas with the United States Marine Corps. He began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the Vermontville Fire Department until he joined the Lansing Fire Department as a full-time firefighter/EMT in 2007. He loved serving his country and community, and it was evident in the dedication and determination he displayed each and every day he came to work.
Dennis had an amazing sense of humor, often with a bite of sarcasm, but you could always count on him to make you smile or laugh until your cheeks hurt. He truly could light up a room with his smile and his personality.
Dennis was an incredibly passionate person. He gave himself to everything he did, whether in service to his country, his community, his family and friends, his Michigan Wolverines, or to the love of his life, his wife Kate.
When Dennis first saw Kate, you could tell she was going to be the one for him, and he pursued her until she finally agreed to go out with him. They shared a love that most people only dream about finding. They were married just a few short months before Dennis was killed and were expecting their first child. He was so excited and thrilled to become a new father. His son, Dennis Blake Rodeman, was born on March 22, 2016.
His life and legacy carry on through his wife and his son and in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew and loved him.
I was the last person who gave him money and to get the sticker. I was 7 at that time, I’m 15 now. To this day, me and my mom still have the sticker that he gave me.
– Maleek Samit