Rodney Allen VanBuskirk , age 63 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood.  He was born August 18, 1959 in Elwood, the son of Maurice C. and Mildred "Millie" (Carter) VanBuskirk.  Rod was raised in Elwood and was a 1977 graduate of Elwood Community High School.  In high school, Rod was an accomplished athlete playing football, baseball, and track; and usually had the jersey # 32.  Rod received his Journeyman Certification as a pipe-fitter with Roby's Plumbing in Anderson and then worked at Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo for nearly 25 years.  He married Cheryl L. Miller on July 11, 1987, and they shared 35 years of marriage and raising their family together.

Rod remained an avid sports fan all of his life.  He loved watching the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Notre Dame football, Indiana University, and local sports teams.  He enjoyed coaching in Elwood for many years when his children were active locally, and he impacted the lives of countless young athletes.  He was a member of Life Church in Elwood and the U.A.W. # 685 in Kokomo.  Rod enjoyed riding his motorcycle and tinkering with his family's vintage Mustang.  More than anything, he loved spending time in his pool at home and playing with his grandchildren.  Family was the most important part of his life, and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Rod's family includes his wife, Cheryl VanBuskirk of Elwood; 3 children, Cody (wife Rebecca) VanBuskirk of Detroit, MI, Corey (wife Miranda) VanBuskirk of Detroit, MI, and Caley VanBuskirk of Noblesville; 2 beloved grandchildren, Maurizio and Maeve VanBuskirk both of Detroit, MI; 2 siblings, Joni (Chuck) Leavitt of Lebanon and Lori (husband Shaun) Stephens of Alexandria; brothers and sister-in-law, Michael Miller, Tina (husband Richard) Street, and Patrick Miller all of Elwood; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Rod was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A funeral service celebrating Rodney's life and legacy will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to Life Church in Elwood.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.