Roderick P. Donaldson

MADISON- Roderick P. Donaldson, age 66, was taken peacefully home to his reward on Thursday, October 30th 2008. Rod was born February 1st, 1942, to George and Maren (Speerstra) Donaldson. As the oldest of five children, in times of family difficulties and illness, he helped care for his sisters, Maren and Ellen, and his brothers, Charles and Donald. He and Sylvia DeBolt were married on August 15th, 1964, and together they faithfully loved and raised their children, Michael, Eric, and Julie to be independently functioning citizens of God's world. Rod earned his BSChE at Northwestern University in 1965, did two years of graduate work at University of Minnesota, then served his country for four years as an officer in the United States Air Force. He and Sylvia owned an 80-acre farm near Eau Claire, WI from 1971-1977, during which time he worked at International Presto. He then worked at Rayovac in Madison from 1977 to 1999, in the field of chemical and environmental compliance. Rod's education and professional accomplishments pale in comparison to his dedication to a life of service to others. In his own words, service to youth was his mission, and this was most strongly evident in his thirty years of service to Scouting. Working at the troop, district, and council levels, he helped over 80 boys on their path to the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 628, organized and led dozens of High Adventure trips, and encouraged and guided hundreds of boys, girls, and adult leaders. He was also active in church youth programs, including helping young people through the Master's Hands Puppet Ministry to proclaim the gospel of God's grace. By that grace, Rod's selfless stewardship of his God-given talents and opportunities have brought untold blessings to countless lives. He is survived by Sylvia, his loving and beloved wife of 44 years, and by their children and grandchildren, in whom he took great delight: Michael and Paula (Jossart), with Jacob, Erin, and Joseph; Eric and Sonya (Johnson), with Adam and Maren; and Julie and Kurt Utter, with Devan and Emily. Also by his siblings and their children: Maren Lewis, with Katie and Harry; Charles, with Jason and Amy; Ellen and Les Allen, with Libby and Nina; and Donald and Mary, with Charles, Nels, and Grace. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Maren (Speerstra) Donaldson. A visitation will be held Friday, November 7th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Cress Funeral Home at 3610 Speedway Road in Madison. The memorial service will be Saturday, November 8th at 11:00 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 5701 Raymond Road in Madison, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Glacier's Edge Council of Boy Scouts of America, or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. ...now grace has led him home.