Rodney R. Rynearson

Frankenmuth, MI

Was taken home to be with his Lord on Friday, July 25, 2025; age 90 years. Rodney was born on June 1, 1935, in Omaha, Nebraska to the late Wesley and Helen (Brock) Rynearson. He was joined to Christ through Holy Baptism on July 7, 1935 and confirmed on March 21, 1948 at Zion Lutheran in Leigh, Nebraska. He grew up in Leigh often working in his father's bakery. He graduated from St. John's College, Winfield, Kansas and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

He was married to Rhoda Jean Ryan on June 22, 1958 in St. Louis.

He was ordained and installed as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Spokane, Washington on July 26, 1959. He also served congregations for the Deaf across Idaho and Montana. While Rodney and Rhoda were living in Spokane, their three sons were born: Timothy, Stephen, and Peter.

In 1967, Rodney took a call 3000 miles away to serve Alpha Lutheran Church for the Deaf in Rochester, New York. He was also the campus chaplain at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. He took care of people who couldn't hear across upstate New York and western Pennsylvania. While in Rochester, he earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Rochester.

In 1974, Rodney accepted a call to be the Executive Director of the Lutheran School for the Deaf in Detroit. He was instrumental in expanding the services of the school to include those who struggle with learning disabilities. The goal was to help students in Lutheran Schools who needed extra services. This group is now called Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM). Also, in Detroit he earned his Doctorate in Philosophy of Education from Wayne State University.

In 1987, Rodney accepted a call at LCMS World Mission as the Counselor for Blind and Deaf Mission in St. Louis. He traveled worldwide with his wife Rhoda promoting mission work among those who couldn't hear and among those who couldn't see.

In 1997, Rhoda died after a long struggle with cancer.

In 2000, Rodney married Velma (Math) Lubbert. They moved to Frankenmuth in 2006.

Rodney was a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and loved teaching the Pastor's Sunday Bible class for many years.

During his life Rodney had many interests. He was involved in the creation of the International Lutheran Deaf Association, the Lutheran Deaf Mission Society and the Deaf Institute of Theology. He was an Eagle Scout and a lifetime member of Kiwanis. Rodney was a member of the St. Louis Astronomical Society and a member of the Astronomical League. He earned the Master Observer Gold Award from the Astronomical League.

Survivors include Rodney's wife Velma: his sons Timothy (Ruth) Rynearson, Peter (Monica) Rynearson, and his daughter-in-law Linda (William) Ross; his sister-in-law: Mary (Ryan) Bruenjes; his stepsons: Stanley, Steven (Mary) and Stuart Lubbert; ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, ten nephews and nine nieces.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Rhoda; his son, Stephen; his brothers Larry and Robert and sister Mary Helen; his step daughter-in-law Leona Lubbert and his brother-in-law, Irwin Bruenjes.

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan. The Rev. Mark Brandt will officiate. The service will be livestreamed at Live Stream – St. Lorenz Lutheran Church & School. Burial at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park, Livonia, will take place on Friday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m.

Rodney's family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM), the Lutheran Deaf Mission Society, IRIS Lending Library for the Blind, or Not Alone Internet Ministry to the Blind.