John Robert Roden

CHICAGO/LODI-John R. Roden, age 83, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Agrace HospiceCare, Inc.in Fitchburg. He was born on January 29, 1929 in Chicago, the son of Harry and Cecelia (West) Roden. John was a son of a tailor and enjoyed 15 years of a drag racing career with his family. He was united in marriage to Helen Nikischer on September 10, 1950 in Chicago. John was a veteran of the United States Army having served in the Korean Conflict in the Signal Corps Communication Division in Tokyo, Japan. He was employed as a installation technician with Custom Design Bathrooms and a member of the plumber’s and glaiser’s unions having worked with such notables as Muhammad Ali and Paul Harvey. John totally enjoyed fishing and being on the lake front enjoying a cigar. He is survived by his wife, Helen, a son, Gary (Beth), two grandsons, Greg and Geoff; a sister-in-law, Joan Roden and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Harry in 2011. Family memorial services will be held at a later date in Chicago. John lived life to its fullest and enjoyed his time spent on Lake Wisconsin near Lodi since 1955. Family memorial services will be held at a later date in Chicago.