Rodney "Rod" Pifer

Rodney Pifer, 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 10, 2022 with unwavering faith in God’s plan, showing true grit and grace with all he endured. Rodney was born on October 28, 1949 to Betty and Albert Pifer. He grew up in Norton, OH, and was a graduate of Norton High School, Class of 1968. Rod then graduated from Akron University, and went on to be a field service engineer and successful salesman at Babcock & Wilcox where he built lifelong relationships for 43 years. Rod was a husband who made it easy to love for 51 years of marriage. His smile and deep belly laugh radiated through a room, and his God-given personality showed through in his kindness.The cowboy hat and boots were his signature look. As a husband and father who loved God, he was dedicated to raising a godly family. He was reliable and knew how to lead his family down the right path. Whisking his wife away on adventures all around the United States, they enjoyed the grandeur of this land and experiences from rodeos to snowmobiling to their absolute favorite destination, Alaska. He was a father who taught his daughters to see the value in everything they learned and experienced. His helpful nature came in multiple ways through hands on tasks, coaching and sound advice. They shared quality time on vacations, Indian’s games, playing basketball in the driveway, running 5ks together, and years of the girls' sporting events. He was a father who instilled the love of Jesus. As little girls, Dad would carry them both upstairs, one in each arm, stop at the landing where there was a picture of Jesus, and would say prayers. He was the father who was always strong, never backing away from anything they faced, and walked right through the fire with them. He was a Father-in-Law who considered his sons-in-law to be one of his own. He had an instant connection with them from the first time they met. They shared similar passions with high motivation as they enjoyed the great outdoors, racing, had incredible conversations as light as every day accomplishments, new tools or toys, to upcoming big projects or adventures, and had many future plans for so much more. As a dedicated grandpa he supported all the grandkids' unique activities. He spent countless hours on the ball field coaching and playing just as hard as the kids. He always planned fun events like camping, fishing, hiking, building a treehouse, and attending super-cross races. His sense of humor and love for life was electric. He had a contagious laugh, gave the best hugs and they remember him as being happy and living in his faith, all the way to the end. Above all he encouraged them to keep chasing God no matter what and to be their very best. He was a brother who throughout his life has shown the way to the next stage in life. He always lived the best life and helped teach his siblings to be adventurous and encouraged them in their endeavors. He was a friend who genuinely cared about others, never meeting a stranger anywhere he went. Rod was like having someone in your life you had always known. Whether he was at Babcock & Wilcox, the John Deere dealership, or his local church he was always one to be remembered and he remembered you too. He was not only an upstanding citizen of America proudly serving as a volunteer helping shape Navy Seals, but he was also a true citizen of Heaven serving the Lord above all else and making the most important part of his life his connection to Jesus. We are so grateful to have called him ours: Wife and soulmate, Janice Pifer. Daughters Shellee married to Jonah Ketola, and Mindy married to Bryan Zimmer. Grandchildren Coen, Caiden, Ashton, Kolton, Dakota (Hope), Aspen (Megan), Montana (Heather), Jordan, Summer, and Tanner. Great-grandchildren Peyton, Brantley, Skarlett, and Janelle. Siblings Greg (Dee) Pifer and Polly Belenci. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 beginning at 10:30 AM with a receiving line immediately following at The Chapel, Green Campus, 1800 Raber Rd, Uniontown, OH 44685.The service located at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 2580 Romig Road, Akron, Ohio 44320, will take place at 3:00 p.m. Rodney had a love for Alaska and a passion to share the gospel with the people there. In lieu of flowers he would be honored if you gave to This Generation Ministries (TGM), an outreach he desired going to help. Please give at TGMAlaska.com or by mailing your donation to: TGM, 550 Beaver Boulevard, North Pole, AK 99705, in memory of an incredible man, Rodney Pifer.

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