Rodger Sundling

Rodger Daniel Sundling

05/29/1939-06/24-2023

Rodger Daniel Sundling, age 84, of 9892 Hwy 2, Rapid River MI., passed away peacefully on Saturday morning June 24, 2023 at the Bishop Noa Home. Rodger was born May 29, 1939 in Isabella, MI., the son of Carl and Anna (Sabo) Sundling. He grew up on the family farm and attended the Nahma School.

On January 18,1959 Rodger was united in marriage to Virginia Lois Brunette. They enjoyed 56 years together upon Virginia’s death in 2013.

Rodger is survived by his children: Larry (JoJean Miller)Sundling, Susan(Michael Hebert), Ken (Dawn)Sundling, Dale Sundling, Sherri Sundling; Grandchildren: Steven, Bradley, Krystal Herbert, Tessa and Nathan Sundling, Mathew Sundling, Mellissa Norden, Great Grandchildren: Mackenzie Brazeau and Keean Bogdan, numerous nieces, nephews.

Rodger enlisted in the United States Army at age 17 and served his country with honor at Fort Lewis, Washington 1956-1958.

After returning home, Rodger went to work as a truck driver, construction laborer, trained as a machinist and worked for several small machine shops in the Gladstone area, then went to work as a laborer and then first-class millwright for the Escanaba Paper Company/Mead Paper until his retirement in May 2001.

Rodger was active in the local mill labor union and held a variety of leadership positions representing the workers with pride and dignity. Rodger was also very active in the local American Legion in Rapid River, serving as post commander. Rodger loved his family and would always take pride in attending his children and grand-children’s sporting and social events and participating in all aspects of their lives. He enjoyed casino trips with Virginia, downhill and cross-country skiing, playing smear and cribbage with his friends and family, was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed feeding and watching the deer each winter at his home in Ensign.

Military Honors will be presented on Wednesday, June 28 at 1:00 PM in the Rapid River Cemetery by the Rapid River American Legion Post 301.

The Sundling family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.