Rodney J. Wilbur

March 29, 1949 - August 31, 2024 (75 years old)

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Rodney J. Wilbur

March 29, 1949 - August 31, 2024 (75 years old)

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Rodney J. Wilbur Obituary

Name: Visitation
Start: 2024-09-12T18:00:00
End: 2024-09-12T20:00:00
Location: Memorial Alternatives Funeral Home

The world bids farewell to Rodney J. Wilbur (Grand Rapids, Michigan), departing on August 31, 2024 at the age of 75. Rodney leaves behind memories cherished by the community. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Rodney J. Wilbur to show support.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Benjamin Wilbur and Bette Wilbur; and his sisters, Paty and Betsy. He is survived by: his children, Ann, Mary and Eric; and his brothers, Ben and Brian Wilbur. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

The family invites those wishing to honor Rodney's memory to consider to make a donation to his favorite public radio station, WYCE 88.1 FM Grand Rapids.

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3 people wrote a message from the heart

September 11, 2024

Gary De Kock wrote a sympathy message

“Like all paddlers, Rodney loved his kayak and the time he spent with it in beautiful places. He also loved people. He brought those passions to the put in and shared them with all of us who were lucky enough to know him as a friend. Let's remember him when we return to places he was a part of.”

September 5, 2024

Joe Simon wrote a sympathy message

“I only know Rodney from being on the water. What a kind and curious soul! One memory was shortly after he had recovered from a medical issue and was determined to not let it slow him down. 17-degree air and water at the freezing mark. We had a nice paddle on the Pine River, then a long walk back to the closest parking spots from take-out. We all were exhausted, so we stuck our thumbs out to some passing snowmobilers. Surprisingly, they stopped and gave us a ride/tow to our cars. Miss you!”

September 5, 2024

Paul Knoerr wrote a sympathy message

“I met Rodney where many of us did, along the side of a river. I'm not sure if it was the Pine, or the Little Manistee, or the Rogue, or maybe the Pere Marquette. But Rodney was always fun to have along, and interesting to chat with on the river, on shuttles or even in a restaurant on the way home. This is a picture of Rodney on my annual New Years Day Paddle of the Pine River from Dobson Bridge to Low Bridge. Rodney, you are missed already on the river.... Paul Knoerr (P.K.)”

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Events

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Thu

Sep 12

Visitation

Memorial Alternatives Funeral Home
2432 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Thu

Sep 12

Visitation

Memorial Alternatives Funeral Home
2432 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Fri

Sep 13

Visitation

New Community Church
2340 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Fri

Sep 13

Funeral service

New Community Church
2340 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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