Rodney Nackerman RIP

[Joyce]

A most kind and gentle man and loyal friend. Rod was always ready to lend a hand for any chore - from painting the Print Shop Museum Porch and stairs to the upper level to moving chairs to helping with exhibits to taking his long time Sunday shift at the desk. He was extremely interested in all aspects of Beaver Island history and was also very knowlegable. We shall all miss his smiling face!

[Penny]

So sorry. He was a great, caring, and giving man. Our great-grandparents were brother and sister. We will miss our dinners and conversations throughout the summer. Of course, there was always rumicube too. He was so proud to be Ivan's sponsor when he joined Holy Cross Church. Ivan and Penny young

[BI Community Center]

Rod's huge, sweet heart, love of Beaver Island history, and unique ability to engage with the young or elder, visitor or resident, with anything regarding our beloved Island will be forever appreciated--and now missed. His "Island Pride" showed in everything he did here, including his tender care of the flower boxes at the Community Center, personal greeting of our visitors, and relationships with our staff and volunteers.

We are ever so grateful to have had such an incredible, generous friend and volunteer.

May his family know our thoughts and prayers are with them, and that he will forever be in our hearts.

[BI Historical Society]

As so many other individuals and organizations have posted, the Island community has lost a great friend, cheerleader, worker, mentor and so much more. Rodney's commitment to the Beaver Island Historical Society is highly regarded and rarely duplicated. His knowledge of the Island and his ease in sharing that knowledge will be greatly missed. We can only hope that others step up to the plate like he did to make the Island a better place by making people feel like they are in a better place.

[duffer]

Very saddened to hear. I have always loved my conversations with Rod and he will truly be missed. condolences to the family.

[Marie LaFreniere]

From Rod's daughter, Mary Muto:

Rodney C. â??Budâ?￾ Nackerman of Lake Orion, MI passed away following a short illness on Sunday, February 1, just 14 days shy of his 85th birthday. Rod was born to Frank and Grace (Campbell) Nackerman in 1930 on Beaver Island, MI. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann Robbins, in 1983, as well as his sister, Barbara Huston, and his close friend Bill Cashman, in 2014.

Rod leaves behind 3 sons: Michael (Patty McBride) of Richmond, VA; Daniel (Ann Long) of Lake Arrowhead, CA; and Patrick of Lake Orion; and 2 daughters: Maureen (Bill) Wilde of New Richmond, WI; and Mary Muto of Mendocino, CA. He also precedes in death his loving sisters: Rose (Harold) Smith, Ellen (Richard) Verduyn, and Colleen Krusky, along with his brother/sister in-laws Jim (Maureen) Robbins and Richard (Marjorie, dec.) Laurent. Rod was beloved by 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family including Donna, Jim, Sandra, and especially his best friend Rex the beagle.

Rod began his working career at Schroederâ??s gas station in Pontiac and then joined the U.S.A.F. He was a Crew Chief and Veteran of the Korean War. It was during this time that a written correspondence began with Ruth Ann â?? he proposed with a ring in a coffee can via US Mail, and they were married in Cadillac in 1954. Their family relationships were built on a strong foundation of faith in God through the Catholic Church. Rod bought a milk delivery business and was a Sealtest Milkman for 10 years. He was a foreman at Pontiac Motors for 22 years, and he also started Tabletop Tax Service in 1960, spending 50 years as a tax preparer in over 300 clientsâ?? homes.

Rod was greatly involved in his church parishes, children's schools, and both of his home communities. He worked tirelessly as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Crittenton Hospital Auxiliary, FISH, and 'No One Dies Alone'. He also served on several boards, including the BI Chamber of Commerce and the BI Historical Society and Museum. Rod also belonged to the Beaver Island AMVETS Post 46.

Rod was happiest when he was working outdoors, raking leaves or removing juniper bushes from the property on his island home, with his dog by his side. And all who knew him realized that to stop in to say hello to Rod meant a commitment to playing the game of Rumikub, no matter the day or the hour! He lived a fascinating life rooted in his island childhood, a love of travel, devotion to his family, service to others, and most of all, kindness, cheerfulness, humor and good will.

A visitation will be held Saturday, February 14, 2-5pm, with a prayer service at 4pm, at Silverbell Chapel, Modetz Funeral Home, 100 East Silverbell Road, Orion, MI.

Per Rodâ??s specific wishes, a Funeral Mass and burial will be held in early June, on Beaver Island, MI, at Holy Cross Catholic Church and Cemetery. A traditional Irish-Island after-party will take place at the Nackerman family farm. All are invited (except complete strangers - but perhaps a few of those too...)

Memorial contributions are appreciated and can be sent to the Historical Society, Food Pantry, or Community Center at Beaver Island, MI 49782.

[Chamber of Commerce]

A wonderful story and photo (2005) of Rod can be found on the Friends of Beaver Island Facebook page. Thanks Elaine West for sharing.

https://www.facebook.com/beaverisland