Birth date: Aug 5, 1936 Death date: Jun 4, 2023
Peter Stevan Roder, age 86, was born in Madison, Wisconsin on August 5th, 1936 to the lateEugene and Cleophas Roder and was called away by Our Lord on June 4th, 2023. Pete issurvived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Patricia Lyons Read Obituary
Thank you Libby, we love you!
Thank you Bob. These memories you have shared mean so much to Pete's family. Thank you so much!
My uncle Pete was such a wonderful part of my life. He was always at special events like my graduations and wedding, and he made the best bean dip! Despite being the tallest guy around, he would come right down to your level, especially if you were a kid. I remember him laying on the ground to interact with my son when he was just a few months old.
I also remember all of my high school girlfriends coming over to his house to visit each Memorial Day.
I was saddened to read Pete's obit in this morning's San Diego Union-Tribune. Pete was my 2nd XO (he hated that term) in USS O'CALLAHAN (DE-1051), and when he arrived on board, he was a breath of fresh air for the wardroom. Pete was a terrific Naval Officer, leader, and outstanding human being. I couldn't have asked for a better boss. We stayed in touch for a few years; Pete had command of SOUTHERLAND in the Bay area and would come down to Monterey to visit when I was in PG school. My condolences to Pat and the family. I will miss Pete Roder; he was the real deal.
Bob Brown
Cdr, USN (Ret)
San Diego
Dearest Roder Family, Sending you strength and love during this time. Evan and Shea Hughes
Pat and Family, Linda and I were extremely saddened by the news of Pete's passing. Pete and I go back over 60 years from 1962 when we were shipmates aboard USS Agerholm (DD 826). When Pete brought his bride to the West Coast, I helped you and Pete move into your apartment on Coronado. We were classmates and next door neighbors at Navy Housing in Monterey while Pete and I were studying at U.S. Naval Post Graduate School. Pete and I were shipmates, fishing buddies, drinking and golfing buddies and friends. We had adventures together in San Diego, in Monterey, in Subic Bay and Hong Kong when we both made a port visit at the same time in 1967, when he was Executive Officer aboard USS Cook (APD 130) and I had command of USS White River (LSMR 536). We had a few drinks together in 1968 when White River rearmed in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, where to my delight my friend Pete was Communications Officer at the Naval Station. Our duty stations diverged at that point, however, we managed to stay in touch with fishing in Virginia, visits to Montague where Linda and I had the pleasure of staying with Pop Roder while you and Pete made an urgent trip east to Philadelphia, and a couple visits back and forth while Linda and I were RVing and you and Pete were traveling. We were also able to join you and the family for Steve's wedding in San Diego. Pete was an exemplary Naval Officer, husband and father, the Navy and the country are better places for his being with us. The country and the Navy owe Pete, you, and the family, a debt of gratitude for his 34 years of service that can never be repaid.
If age and distance had not conspired to preclude travel, I would be with you at the funeral ceremony to give Pete a final salute and personally express condolences.
William Carlson
Rear Admiral USN (ret.)
My first strong memory of Uncle Pete was at his wedding to my Aunt Pat. I was the flower girl and was quite impressed with this tall handsome man in a white uniform who was marrying my aunt. When he cut the wedding cake with his sword, I was awestruck! Pete continued to impress me through the years with his kindness, his zest for life, and his and Pat's love of their family. We will all miss him very much. Niece Mary K
I have many fond memories of Pete as a classmate (USNA Class of 1958) and Company mate (24th Company) and the fun reunion times with Pete and Pat. I know it was hard for you all to get to the last couple reunions but know that we surely missed you. Our prayers are with Pat and family.
George and Anne Ojalehto
