Rodney E. Burkett

Rodney Edwin Burkett, 83, of Fremont, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026 at Stein Hospice in Sandusky, OH. He was born December 12, 1942 in Fremont, the son of Paul E. and Hilda (Griefendorf) Burkett.

Rod was raised on the family farm in Woodville, OH. He graduated from Woodville High School in 1961, where he lettered in football for the Woodville Warriors. He retired from UPS in 1999, after 31 years of service.

In 1975 he married Barbara J. Stokes, they recently just celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Rod enjoyed fishing, gardening, feeding the birds and woodworking. He was an avid lover of all things nature and outdoors. He passed his love of traveling to Michigan and the UP on to his children and later in life Casino trips across the country.

He is survived by his wife Barbara of Fremont; children: Roxanne (Bob) Greenley, Wendy (Mark Santillo) Leszkai, Angela (Scott) Thompson, Traci (Eric) Jones, Mindy (Paul) Kohler, Monica (Tim) Haney, Alisa (Sara Erd) Watkins; grandchildren: Jacque Fahle, Michael Fahle, Derek Johlin, Jenna Johlin, Jacob Johlin, Katie (Chris) Bowe, Logan (Jessica) Jones, Emma (Joe) English, Hannah (Tim) Blausey, Sam Kohler, Jak Kohler, Justin (Jess) Happeny, Julian Watkins, Nate Watkins, Joey Haney; great-grandchildren Jayla Thompson, Bentley Happeny, Kooper, Krew and Penelope Jones, Parker and Owen Bowe, Ellis and Paulette Blausey; numerous nieces and nephews; siblings Janice Burkett, Marlene Hatcher, Lynne Russell. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Nolan Burkett.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 1-5PM at the Gibsonburg American Legion Hall, 300 S. Main Street, Gibsonburg, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice or Back to the Wild.