The great conversationalist, Rodney J. Roberts of Franklin, found peace June 12, 2019, five months after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Born January 22, 1944 to Richard and Gertrude (Wendling) Roberts. Rod was a true Milwaukee man who possessed a Gift of Gab and would talk to anyone, anywhere, regardless of their age, background or political persuasion.
Rod graduated from Pius XI High School, served six years as a firefighter in the US Air Force Reserves, and worked in a variety of careers including car sales (again, that Gift of Gab), dedicated service to the Milwaukee County Transit System, and ownership of a travel consulting business. He took pride in his neighborhood, and also served as president of two condo associations spanning 35 years. Rod was a voracious follower of current events, and could discuss anything from global affairs, to local politics, to sports, fine art and travel.
It was Rod's genuine desire to never retire, and he achieved that goal, working in his dream business, Dream Vacations, which he operated since 2004, up until his very last weeks. He found great joy in serving his clients. As a local business owner, Rod loved to support "Mom and Pop Shops," and was active in the Waukesha BNI, where he spent every Tuesday morning. His favorite local business was the Gingerbread House of Muskego, where he and his pals were regulars, multiple days of the week. He exercised his Gift of Gab up until the final progression of his illness.
While his social spirit meant nobody was a stranger to Rod, he was most happy being with his family. On November 24, 1973, he married his best friend and the great love of his life, Debra Jean (Aamodt). They were partners in everything from business to adventure, and truly completed each other in a way some can only dream. Rod and Debby enjoyed worldwide travel with Jack and Ginny Ashenhurst and Jim and Marianne Valcq. Rod and Debby were "favorite Uncle and Aunt" to their nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and were special Godparents. Rod was even the, "In case of emergency and a parent can't be reached, please notify…" for a niece and nephew who definitely relied on Uncle Rod – affectionately known as "Uncle Studley," many times. When Rod would show up at school to pick up a child, he'd have snacks and water bottles in hand. He loved cheering on the nieces and nephews at their myriad sporting and musical events, including traveling to Stevens Point to witness a nephew win a gold medal at Special Olympics. His kind, generous spirit was a gift to his extended family.
Even as the multiple myeloma progressed, Rod never, ever complained. To talk to Rod even in the last month, you might not have realized how ill he had become, which is why losing him comes as a surprise.
Rod is survived by his beloved wife, Debra, and his treasured Baby Sister Patricia Roberts of Reno, NV. He is further survived by his sisters- and brothers-in-law: Virginia Ashenhurst, Dennis and Beth Aamodt, Rick and Tracy Aamodt. Survived by nephews Mark (Karla) Ashenhurst, Dave (Bridget) Ashenhurst, Alan Aamodt, David Aamodt, and nieces Erika (Jesse) Gayhart and Kristina (Joel) Rasmussen, and great-nieces and great-nephews Sean, Emily, Erin, Logan, Maddie, Colin, Karly, James, Evelyn, Jonah and Jarett and Godchildren Sara and Jonathan Korotko. Further survived by lifelong friends Philip Milazzo and family, and Jim Strachota and family. Preceded in death by his parents Richard and Gertrude Roberts, his dear friend and brother-in-law Jack Ashenhurst, and cherished nephew Andrew Aamodt.
If Rod can leave a legacy, let it be this: If you meet someone, talk to them. Everyone has a story. Keep Milwaukee the kind and welcoming community it was born to be. Support local business owners and artists, and be there for your family, always.
Friends may call on the family at the Hartson Funeral Home located at 11111 W Janesville Rd, Hales Corners, on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 from 5 PM to 7 PM. A memorial service will be held at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Franklin, WI Special Olympics are appreciated. https://give.specialolympics.org/page/contribute/wisconsin
"Don't worry Uncle Studley…we will take good care of Auntie Debby."