Rodney's Funeral Service Video

Rodney (Rod) Louis Barkholtz entered eternal life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 with his loving wife and family by his side.  He was born on August 10, 1958, in Appleton, WI, son of Ralph and Joan (Becker) Barkholtz.  Rod was baptized into the Christian faith on August 31, 1958, at Zion Lutheran Church, Appleton. He was confirmed at Martin Luther Church, Neenah. Rod attended Martin Luther Grade School, Neenah, and Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton. On November 26, 1977, Rod was united in marriage to Julie Thern. They were blessed with five children. Rod worked at the Neenah Foundry for 37 years. Rod and Julie are members of Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, New London. Rod felt his greatest legacy was handing down his faith in Jesus to all his children. He loved studying God's Word and then discussing what he learned with his pastor, family and friends. He looked forward to attending church services, and he firmly believed we can never make peace with God through our church attendance—rather; God has made peace with us. In 2013, Rod became a two-time transplant recipient. He and his family will forever be grateful to the two donors and their families for giving Rod the precious gift of 10+ years of life. Since he was a young boy, Rod was a true outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing both on his own and with his wife, children, brothers, sons-in-law and friends. Later, he enjoyed taking his grandchildren hunting and fishing and teaching them the basic skills and to respect and love nature. Rod also loved going to all his children's and grandchildren's sporting and school events.

Rod is survived by his wife, Julie; children Melissa (James II) Krueger, Jennifer (Chris) Kern, Michelle (special friend Matt Jacobs) Price, Daydre (Brian) Ring, Joe (Alicia) Barkholtz. Grandchildren include: Aubree (Chace), Brenna, Matthew, Gabe, Marissa, Eliana, Garrett, Courtney, Caleb, Beckhem, Mya, Ethan, Jackson, Braeden, Waylon, Hudson and Harlow. Great grandchildren include: Remi and Wesley. Rod is further survived by his mother, Joan Barkholtz, brothers Scott (Debbie) Barkholtz; Ross (Becky) Barkholtz; Rick Barkholtz; sister Karen Basler; sisters-in-law Gail (Jeff) Beyer; Tina Auer; Paula (Glenn) Upp; Amy (Tom) Baumgart; Beth (Phil) Knutzen; brothers-in-law Victor (Leigh) Thern; Scott (Heidi) Thern; Jamie Thern.

Rod was preceded by his father, brother Randy Barkholtz, father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Helen Thern; brother-in-law Jim Auer; and son-in-law Kyle Price.

*Due to construction* The Christian Funeral Service for Rod will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenville with Rev. William Heiges officiating.  The visitation will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the church and again on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Rod's family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to his family, close friends, pastors and

neighbors whose support and prayers sustained him through his difficult days. We also want to convey our deep appreciation to Sarah from ThedaCare Hospice for her compassion and loving care towards Rod throughout his lengthy struggle on hospice.

All memorials and donations can be directed to Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London.