Rev. Louis J. Roder
October 31, 1928 — March 1, 2011
GARDNER - Rev. Louis J. Roder, 82, of 76 Norman Street, Gardner, died peacefully at his residence Tuesday evening, March 1 st , surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 31, 1928, son of the late Ludwig and Elfriede (Hohnroth) Roder and had lived in Gardner for 47 years.
Rev. Roder was a graduate of Wagner College in Staten Island, New York in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He then graduated from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1953. His first parish was Trinity Lutheran Church in Wyandanch, Long Island, New York from 1953 to 1957. He then served as pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Middletown, CT from 1957 to 1964. His pastorate at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church came at one of the darkest periods in that church’s history, shortly after a tragic fire swept the church. He ably guided the congregation through the trying periods of reconstruction with its anxieties and complex financial burdens.
Pastor Roder served as Pastor of the former Bethel Lutheran Church in Gardner from 1964 to 1971, when he retired due to illness. He served on the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Home for the Aged in Southbury, CT. He also served for many years as Secretary in College and University work of the New England Synod. While serving as pastor of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Gardner, Pastor Roder was President of the Gardner United Clergy. He also was instrumental in arranging for services held at the Heywood Hospital Chapel in years past. Pastor Roder served in Campus Ministry work at Mount Wachusett Community College for many years. In later years, Pastor Roder visited the sick and helped the newer clergy of the church.
Pastor Roder was a fan of the Boston College Eagles and attended many of its football games. He was also a Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed playing golf, sailing, swimming and skiing in his younger years.
He leaves his wife of 58 years, Eleanor (Doer) Roder; two sons, Mark S. Roder and his wife Diane of Scituate, MA and Paul J. Roder and his wife Terry of Sudbury, MA; four grandchildren, Alyssa Roder, Michael Roder, Jacquelyn Roder and Gregory Roder, and a sister-in-law, Doris Roder of Orchard Park, New York. His brother, Rev. Rudy Roder, predeceased him. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 5 th at 12 Noon in Faith Lutheran Church, 627 Green Street, Gardner. Calling hours in the church will be Saturday, March 5 th from 10 A.M. to Noon in the church, preceding the funeral. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, 627 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440, Calumet Lutheran Ministries, PO Box 236, 1090 Ossipee Lake Road, West Ossipee, NH 03890-0236 or to Gardner VNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA. 01440.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.