Roderick A Downer

Roderick Adrian Downer of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at Fairview Hospital on October 16, 2023, at the age of 75. Rod was born in Glencoe, Minnesota, on December 29, 1947, to George and Frances (nee Schuette) Downer.

Rod attended First Ev. Lutheran School and graduated high school from Stevens Seminary in 1965. While attending Mankato State College, Rod was drafted in 1967 during the Vietnam War. He served his country for two years in the U.S. Army as a medic. After returning home, Rod completed his college degree at MSC majoring in Mathematics.

Upon college graduation, Rod relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, to accept a job with the Veteran's Administration. He worked at the VA for 42 years before retiring in 2013.

Rod had a passion for sports and always believed it was a great way to bring people together. He enjoyed attending Browns games and was a season ticket holder for over 30 years. He was passionate about baseball and played softball for many years. He enjoyed golfing with friends and family, collecting coins, and attending his son’s sporting events.

Rod is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Charlette (nee Johnson), son, Ricky Downer (fiancée Kelly Soinski), mother, Frances Downer, sisters, Diane Hatlestad (Tom), Marty Hartmann (special friend Bronko Lemke), nephews and nieces:

Matt Downer (Grant), Clint Hatlestad (Lori), Betsy Downer (Jason), Kate Hartmann, and Nathan Hartmann (Shannon), along with many other treasured family and friends. Rod was preceded in death by his father, George Downer, and his brother, Joel Downer.

Come celebrate Rod’s life Saturday, October 21, from 11am to 1pm, in the Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Rd. where the service will be at 1pm.

Burial will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, OH Wednesday, October 25, at 12:15m.