I was fortunate to know Rod during his time as sexton at St. Peter's. With his kindness, his gentle humor, and his peaceful presence, he had a way of making me feel at ease, and feel like I'd known him for a long time. He seemed to have that affect on everyone. 

Attending his Celebration of Life, I felt his presence so strongly there; I pray that you'll continue to feel his spirit among you, and that God will continue to comfort and support you.

Rod was a dear friend of ours.  Michael and I will surely miss him.  We shared some fun times together with Rod and got to see that big smile he often displayed.  I am sad to have him go but I also know that he was not himself towards the end and that he probably rathered be somewhere else.  So sorry Rose that we will be away on a cruise and not able to attend Rod's Celebration of Life.  Please know that we are thinking of you and Rod.

I also met Rod when he was a Sexton at St. Peter's and he quickly became a friend and mentor.  He was very gracious and went out of his way to help me in my work with both Veterans and the homeless.  He was so very caring and giving and set a wonderful example of how we are called to serve.  We shared many stories of our time in Viet Nam and I was honored to call him "friend".  May he now find peace with his God!

RIP my brother, you were one of the coolest dudes I've ever met, your love for the our Lord surpassed only your love for Rose and your family and friends. I will miss you, we are blessed to have known you and crossed paths in this lifetime but as we always have known we will meet again in the next life.  We love you and Rose and we will look after her for you. God bless you my brother and may your receive the rewards that you earned in this life.

I only knew Rod for a short while during his time as the Sexton at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.  During that period I came to know a man who was strong, funny, humble, and intelligent and who I truly felt I could claim as a friend.  It's not often in life when you come across someone who immediately makes you feel comfortable with yourself and with him - but Rod made those he came in contact with stronger, smarter, and taller just by being in his presence.  His sense of humor was unmatched and we had many laughs during that time.  His stories of growing up in Chicago, fighting in Vietnam, raising a family, and his love for his wife were captivating and sincere.

He will be missed by me and I am sure by thousands (maybe millions!) of people he came in contact with.  May God bless Rod's soul and the souls of all the departed, and Rod's family and friends around the world.

Rose, So sorry to hear about Rod. We will miss that smiling face. Prayers for you and the family.

OBITUARY

Rodney Michael Beals

Passed away on JANUARY 22, 2017

Thompson Funeral Chapel

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