Frank J. Rodman, 94, of Hermansville, Michigan passed away on June 23, 2021 at Dickinson Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain. He was born in Hermansville on October 1, 1926 to Joseph and Anna (Nazay), immigrants from Croatia, which at the time was known as Yugoslavia.
Frank grew up in Hermansville and graduated from Hermansville High School in 1944. He served two years in the United States Army. After being discharged, Frank returned home to own Rodman’s Bar. He later served as Hermansville Postmaster for 25 years. After his retirement, Frank volunteered at the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Hospital for over 21 years. He was an active member of numerous organizations including Hermansville Sportsman’s club, IXL Museum, Croatian Lodge #259, Floriano-Stecker-Kelly American Legion Post #340, and the 40 Et 8. He was also a dedicated member of St. John Neumann (St. Mary's) Church of Hermansville.
Frank was proudly known as "Mr. Hermansville", and was associated with the Gold Medal Basketball Tournament there for over 80 years. He was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 1982 and served on the executive council. Frank was the first Upper Peninsula member of the state boxing commission. He served as Menominee County Democratic Chairman for 13 years.
He is survived by his son: John Joseph Rodman of Hermansville and his daughter: Mary Frances Rodman Walkenhorst (Jeffrey) of Pulaski. He is also survived by his granddaughter Megan Elizabeth Walkenhorst of Pulaski, Wisconsin. He is further survived by his sister: Barbara Jean Johnson (Richard) of Edina, Minnesota and sister-in-laws: Patricia Lezotte Kovanis, Janet Lezotte and Doris Lezotte Bateson. He was a fond Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife: Colleen Mary who died in April, 2020. He was also predeceased in death by his brothers: Joseph, John, Nick and Rudy and his sisters: Anna Rodman, Mary Rodman, Dorothy Occhino, Kathryn Bugni, Veronica Ropele and Frances Lodde, and brothers-in-law: John Lodde, Sr., Joseph Occhino, Marvin Ropele and John Bugni. He was also preceded in death by his sister- in-law: Kathryn Lezotte Erickson and her husband Robert, and Nick Kovanis as well as his in-laws: Fred and Katherine Lezotte.
Services for Frank are private for his family. A Mass of Christian Burial is being celebrated at St. John Neumann Church in Hermansville with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating and the Floriano Stecker Kelly American Legion Post #340 will conduct military rites. Burial will take place in the Meyer Township Cemetery.
The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Rodman family.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
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"John, Mary Frances and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With love and hugs! Alan, Nancy, Joe, Amanda and Anthony Whitens"
-Nancy A Whitens -
"My sympathy to the Rodman Family. Frank was on of the nicest guys I've ever met. May he r.i.p. along side of his wife. He will be missed by the entire community im sure. "
-Megan M Stebelton -
"Great Man! Great Life! R.I.P."
-Scott Johnson -
"RIP Mr Frank , we all will miss Frank , his “my boy “ phrase will always be remembered as he would clearly tell a story of your family . I looked for ward visiting with Frank and my brother at the gold medals And at the VA . You will be missed !!! "
-Kenneth Bray -
"My Uncle Frank was a member of the greatest generation known for self sacrifice and duty to family. I often though he should have been a journalist because he loved to report on events happening in the U.P. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family. I will miss him. "
-Barbara Lodde -
"My sympathy to the Rodman Family from the Voluntary Service Department at the OGJVAMC. Frank was a wonderful human being who would always make anyone smile. He loved taking pictures of Residents and staff to post in the newspapers. He always made everyone feel good inside with his kind words. I really will miss seeing him at the VA for an appointment because of who he is, a wonderful man. For now he is smiling with Colleen and having a great reunion. Priscilla Larson, Voluntary Service Specialist"
-Priscilla Larson -
"I used to drop off a paper to Frank every Wednesday morning. He really looked forward to it and always invited me in for a cup of coffee-of course I always refused as I don't drink coffee but I always shared some conversation with him-I don't know who looked forward to it more, him or I... He was the type of guy you couldn't help but like-I will always remember him fondly... "
-Michael Patterson -
"I’m stunned. I just spoke to him last week. I will miss him immensely. He was a true friend and a great mentor. My deepest condolences and prayers to all. ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ’• Rest In Peace, Frank. You were the best thing to ever happen in Hermansville….💧💕"
-Mari and Les Negro -
"Mr. Rodman was a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face when he was volunteering at the VAMC. He was so kind to everyone, both veterans and staff. He will be missed. My sympathy to the entire Rodman family. Cynthia Gordon, RN, VAMC Retired"
-Cynthia Gordon -
"Mary and family: I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your father. He was a very special man. God Bless."
-Lori Giuliani -
"FRANK, YOU LEFT MANY WISER AND SMARTER PEOPLE HERE, BECAUSE OF ALL YOU DID FOR OUR VETERANS, AND THE MANY FRIENDS IN OUR U.P. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL GODS PEACE BE WITH YOU. DALE J. DUFOUR, COMMANDER POST #83."
-AMERICAN LEIGON POST #83, MANISTIQUE MI -
"Mary and John, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a great guy and I will miss him. Hermansville will never be the same without Frank. "
-Carl Lungerhausen -
"Frank's ability to retain those memories was something I always admired. It was always a pleasure going over and shooting the breeze, or doing some small odd job to help them out. Whatever small task, you knew there'd be more time spent talking than actually doing whatever it was. Those memories I remember probably half as well as the ones he always had at the front of his mind. I'll miss the conversations, but treasure the ones we had over the years. Even as I'd learned a few challenging lessons growing up, Mr. Rodman always showed nothing but respect and chose to focus on the positives. For that, I'll forever be grateful and pass along the same principles. Rest easy, Frankie. We all miss you!"
-Chris LaRoche -
"I can't say enough about Frank Rodman, There is no better veteran advocate. I'm saddened to hear of Franks passing. Worked with him for many years now, he wanted to ensure veterans in the north part of the county were taking care of. When I was looking for a place to do veteran outreach Frank reeled me in and insisted I use American Legion Post 340 and my visits were published in every paper in a 50 mile radius, Frank made sure every news paper had my visits. Frank made sure of this. To franks family, I am so sorry for your loss, he was a great man. So honored to call him friend. "
-Michael A Dellisse -
"God bless and keep you Frank. He will be sorely missed as a man of great wit and always a smile. I have never seen such dedication to The American Legion and his fellow veterans. Rest in peace."
-MARILYN L BRITTEN -
"Rodman Family I am very sorry and sad to hear of the loss of your Dad. He was a active member of the community and will be greatly missed. Marilyn (Whitens) Popp"
-Marilyn (Whitens) Popp -
"He always called me Miss Grondine His wife was my 1st grade teacher My brother John watched many Packer games with him Mr Hermansvill will be missed RIP Frankie Phyllis Grondine King"
-Phyllis King
