Nicholas Charles ‘Nick’ Roder
GARDEN — Nicholas Charles “Nick” Roder, age 68, of Garden, Mich., passed away on March 16, 2023, at UP Health Systems, Marquette, surrounded by his loved ones. Nick was born in Portland, Ore., on March 20, 1954, the eldest son of Donald Charles and Lenore Mae (Thennes) Roder. He attended Big Bay de Noc schools and graduated with the class of 1972. After high school he became a certified water technician trained by the DEQ.
Nick worked maintenance and was the certified water technician for the Village of Garden for many years. He was an active member of the community, spending countless hours volunteering with the Garden Old Timers, coaching Little League, and was a retired member of the Garden Fire Department, where he climbed to the rank of chief. Nick was of Catholic faith. He enjoyed deer hunting, ice fishing, and was passionate about watching football, especially the Vikings.
However, Nick’ greatest achievement was his three children. Nick was a proud and private man, who’s heart was second to none. He was always the first to help anyone in need, which is a trait he passed on to each of his children.
Nicks is survived by his son, Jesse (Jennifer) Roder of Kalamazoo, Mich.; daughters, Shannon (Scott) Williams of Garden, Mich., Jenny (Andrew) Vitek of Marinette, Wis.; brothers, Mitchell (Beverly) Roder of Olympia, Wash., Scott (Sandy) Roder of Houston, Texas, Neil (Lidia) Roder of San Diego, Calif., Jay (Joanne) Roder of Kalamazoo, Mich.; seven grandchildren, Brady, Anna, Daimon, Dawson, Tessa, Charlotte, and Hadley.
He was preceded in death by his father Donald Roder and mother and stepfather Lenore and Ed Prezsnar.
Memorial contributions in Nick’s name may be sent to the Garden Fire Department at 243 Garden Ave, Garden, MI 49835. A small family service will be held at a later date, at a location to be named. Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique, Mich. is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be posted on their website at www.fausettfh.com.