Donald E. Roeder

DIXON — Mass of Christian Burial for Donald E. Roeder, 90, Dixon, was Nov. 21 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Dixon. Rev. Jerry Connealy was the celebrant, with burial in the church cemetery.

Military Honors were conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard, Laurel American Legion Post 54 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4502.

Visitation and a vigil service were Monday at Home for Funerals-Randolph.

Home for Funerals-Randolph was in charge of arrangements.

Donald died Nov. 15, 2023, at Wayne Countryview Care and Rehabilitation, Wayne.

Donald Edward Roeder was born June 23, 1933, to George and Barbara (Engelhaupt) Roeder on a farm north of Spencer. In his early years, his family moved to Randolph. Don attended St. Francis School, after which he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in September 1957.

Don went to work for the Miller Honey Company in California, after which he leased one of their outlets in Aurora, S.D., where he worked with 2000 colonies of honeybees for several years. In 1965, Don purchased the Dave Kuhl Honey Company in Dixon, that he continued with his wife and children until retiring. His legacy, the Roeder Honey Company, is still in operation by his family today.

Don met Geraldine Harmer, Colton, Calif., while working for the Miller Honey Company. They were married Feb. 15, 1959, in Las Vegas, Nev., and had six children.

He was exceptionally friendly to everyone and enjoyed visiting with anyone. Don enjoyed camping and fishing with the family and spending the winter months in the southern part of the United States.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gerry; children, Colleen Sherman, Laurel; John Roeder, Dixon; Tom Roeder (Shelly Miller), Lincoln; Paul Roeder (Lucia James), Dixon; Deb (Bill) Kenny, Papillion; and Patricia (Jeffrey) Kulp, Alva, Fla.; five grandchildren, Dustin (Emily) Humphrey and their children, Adalynn and Maizie, Fort Calhoun; Zach Roeder, Omaha; Nic (Jess) Roeder and their children, Max and Nathan, San Augustine, Texas; Emaly (Jake) Cockle and their son, Camron, Papillion; and Olivia Kenny, Papillion; brothers, Joe Roeder, Las Vegas, Nev., and Richard (Betty) Roeder, Fremont; sisters, Marilyn Boswell, Michigan City, Ind., and Janet (Steve) Lammers, Crofton; sisters-inlaw, Annette Roeder,Arlington Heights, Ill.; Elinor Harmer, Yucaipa, Cali.; and Eva Roeder, St. Louis, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews.