Rodney L. “Rod” Bressler
WINSIDE — Rodney L. “Rod” Bressler, 66, Winside, died April 18, 2020.
Arrangements were under the direction of Hasemann Funeral Home, Wayne.
Rod was born Aug. 13, 1953, to Milton and Mary (Benson) Bressler in Wakefield. He graduated from Emerson-Hubbard High School in 1978. He lived in Emerson, where he met his late wife, Jeannia Bressler. Rod married Jeannia March 5, 1992. The two stayed in Emerson where he worked as a truck driver until they relocated to Wayne. Rod always supported Jeannia in her dreams. The couple started First Step, Inc. to provide housing and a day rehabilitation site for consumers with severe and persistent mental illness. From there, R Way was created, a non-profit corporation involving Kirkwood House, The Job Site, and The Community Mental Health and Wellness Clinic. Rod worked side by side with Jeannia, maintaining all the facilities while running a lawn mowing business that also employed the R Way clients. Rod and Jeannia moved to Winside three years ago from a farm house just south of Laurel to be closer to their family. Rod’s lawn was always his pride and joy. He worked hard to
Rod’s lawn was always his pride and joy. He worked hard to maintain it and grow beautiful flowers. Rod loved boating, camping, using his binoculars to bird watch, and being outdoors. He was an avid coin and car collector, with an ever growing collection. Rod always put his family first, he cared deeply about them. He loved buying his great-grandkids new loud toys and watching them play. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July and he would always pride himself on getting the loudest, biggest, finale.
Rod is survived by his daughter, Michelle Carlson, Winside; sisters, Mary (Mike) French, Bancroft, and Ann (Jason) Peck, Holtsville, N.Y.; brother, Dean Bressler, Lincoln area; granddaughter, Donya (Matt) Topp, Winside; grandsons, Brock Carlson, Winside, and Justin (Lauren) Tullberg, West Point; great-grandchildren, Tayven, Braelyn, and Gunnar; and nieces and nephews.
Rod was preceded in death by his wife, Jeannia Bressler; son, Gary Bottger; parents, Milton and Mary Bressler; and brothers, Mick Bressler and Wayne Bressler.
Memorials may be directed to the Bressler Family for later designation.