Rodney Duane Wade

In Loving Memory of Rodney Duane Wade—October 24, 1961 ~ October 10, 2025

Rodney Wade was born on October 24, 1961, to John and Evelyn Wade. Rodney grew up in Lake City, where he learned the value of hard work, family, and good friends.

In 1984, he married his best friend and partner in every adventure, Jody Elizabeth (Hose) Wade. Together, they built a life with their 4 amazing children, filled with love, laughter, and countless memories — camping trips, family gatherings, boating and fishing, projects big and small, and the kind of everyday moments that mean everything.

Rodney was the guy who could fix just about anything — from engines to broken toys — and he always had a project in the works. He was endlessly curious and game to try something new, whether it was a home improvement idea, a new fishing spot, or a far-off place to explore. He loved traveling, hunting, fishing, camping, and boating, but more than anything, he loved sharing those experiences with his family and friends.

Rodney worked hard his whole life and took pride in everything he did. He began his career with Halliburton Services and later became a route driver with Midstate/Clark Foodservice. He eventually retired from VanEerden Foodservice in 2023. Over the years, he met and kept some truly amazing friends through his work — the kind of people who became more like family.

He leaves behind the people who meant the world to him:

Children — Matthew and Hannah Wade; Ashley and Matt Lubbers; Alyssa and Nate Dieterman; and Emma Wade.

Grandchildren — Conner Wade, Xavier Emond, Jordan Lubbers, Julian Lubbers, Braelynn Toliver, Eloise Wade, Jay Dieterman and Jayne Lubbers.

He is also survived by his loving mother, Evelyn Wade; mother-in-law, Patricia Hose; siblings, Robin and Wayne Dekoekkoek, Sandy and Don Mulder, Randy and Laura Wade, Tom and Dana Wade; brothers-in-law, Jeff Hose and Jason Hose; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews,  along with Sarah Vandertuig and Howard Gelderblom, who also became part of the extended family.

Rodney was preceded in death by his father, John Harvey Wade, his father-in-law, Harvey Junior Hose and his grandson, Layne James-Matthew Toliver. 

He was blessed with an incredible circle of friends who stood by him and Jody through everything life has thrown at them and their family. Rodney was loved deeply and will be missed beyond words — but the stories, the laughter, and the lessons he left behind will live on in everyone who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 26th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 4 Seasons Event Barn, located at 80 N 8 Mile Road, Lake City, MI.  Family and friends are invited to join us; open house style, as we gather to remember Rodney.

The family is being served by the Young-Holdship Funeral Home of Lake City. Words of comfort and memories may be shared on www.holdshipfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodney Duane Wade, please visit our floral store.