Martin Regu Rode

Martin Regu Rode, 94, of Fredericksburg, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, at St. James Lutheran Church in Harper with the Rev. Scott Hofmann officiating.

Interment followed in the Harper Community Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of Fredericksburg Funeral Home where visitation was held Sunday evening, Feb. 21.

Rode was born Nov. 29, 1921, in Gillespie County, the son of Seth Rode and Selma Neffendorf Rode. He married Ida Honig on May 10, 1946. She preceded him in death on June 20, 2015.

Over the years, Rode was a rancher and served on the board of the Gillespie County Soil and Water Conservation District, and as a committee member for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.

He was also a 4-H leader and was honored as the Outstanding 4-H Leader of the Year.

Rode also served on the church council and taught Sunday school at St. James Lutheran Church in Harper.

Rode is survived by one daughter, Janice Zitelman and her husband, Fred Johnson, of Kerrville; two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include one sister, Mathilda Lindig of Fredericksburg, and a sister-in-law, Anita Rode of Georgetown.   

In addition to his wife and parents, Rode was preceded in death by two brothers, Rupert Rode and Ewald Rode.

Memorials may be made to the Doss Volunteer Fire Department, Harper Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, St. James Lutheran Church or to the charity of choice.

Pallbearers included Luther Rode, James Rode, Paul Lindig, John Lindig, Michael Lindig and Dennis Neffendorf.