Rodney E Hunsberger

MADISON - Rodney E. “Rod” Hunsberger passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, at his home in Madison, Wis., from a form of leukemia (CMML). Rod was born in 1935 in Grand Rapids, Mich., to parents, Lorne and Blanche (VanKoevering) Hunsberger. He grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from Creston High School in 1953, where he was a three-sport athlete playing quarterback, point guard, and second base. Rod spent his life with his high school sweetheart, Barbara. They were married in 1958 in Grand Rapids and were together for 63 years! Together they raised four children, Cherie, Steve, Mike, and Gary. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Rod graduated from Michigan State University in 1957. He also graduated from The Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers in 1967. Rod served three years in the Army National Guard of Michigan, where he finished as Specialist Fourth Class in 1960. Rod worked for the FDIC for 25 years until 1983. During that time, he spent a lot of time on the road “examining” banks all over Michigan. Traveling with many of his fellow examiners, they developed a strong bond. His group was always ready to play sports, keeping equipment in their cars, playing card games, and generally having a good time. In 1977 Rod transferred to the FDIC office in Madison, where he had the title of Trust Specialist. Similarly, he bonded with his co-workers, often playing softball and Euchre after hours. When the FDIC office relocated, Rod moved to M&I Bank of Hilldale. He later worked at Park Bank in Madison as a Loan Review Officer until his retirement. Rod was an avid golfer and a member of Nakoma Golf Club, Madison, for 42 years and Silver Lake Country Club in Rockford, Michigan for many years before that. Even into his 80s he was scoring better than his golfer sons! Rod enjoyed participating in other sports including bowling and racquetball. He traveled to American Bowling Congress annual bowling events, attending all from 1996 to 2003. Rod rolled a 771 series with a 279 on Dec. 27, 2005, at Park Towne Lanes, so he was still a top bowler in his early 70s. Rod was a huge sports fan, often watching football, baseball, basketball, golf and other sports. He was a season ticket holder for MSU football through the mid-70s, and a season ticket holder and booster for UW football and basketball for many years. Rod participated in the Mendota Gridiron Club, and Badger Basketball Boosters, serving as Treasurer for three years. The Packers and Brewers also monopolized the television. One thing that stands out about Rod’s life is the number of genuine, long-lasting friendships he maintained. From friendships made in fourth grade that lasted until his passing, to all of those in Wisconsin, and those from 20 years of winters spent in Florida, too numerous to mention them all, he was always able to connect with people and stay friends. Rod was a Platinum Member at The Casino Club, of Grand Rapids, Mich. He also stayed in close touch with family; Rod and Barb first started spending Winters in Florida to join his brother, sister, and other family members in New Smyrna Beach. Rod is survived by his wife, Barbara (Freel); daughter, Cherie Lee (Jon Eikenhout); sons, Steve (Dawn), Mike (Tatiana) and Gary (Anna); and grandchildren, Richard, Alex, Christine, Miles and Audrey. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Leavitt (Morris); and brother, Gordon Hunsberger (Barbara). At his request, no service will be held. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Research Greatest Need Fund at the UW Carbone Cancer Center (UW Foundation). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608) 442-5002