Rodney Joslin Obituary

Time has a way of passing quickly by, even on a normal day, and one’s life can seem to rush by in an instant. What evidence is there for a life well-lived? What difference can one man make in the whole scheme of things? Rod Joslin, my uncle, was a man whose life had many evidences of being well-lived, and a man whose life made a difference in the lives of countless people, most of whom I do not know and will never know. But he also made a difference in my life. As little girls, my sister and I spent much time on our grandparents’ farm, but my uncle was rarely too busy to spend a little time with us. It might have been a game of tag or hide-and-seek, but he took the time to play with us. I remember one winter when hours were spent making the most fantastic snow fort for us. He took the time...and that says a lot for a young man in his teens. After he married and moved away, he showed his caring for me and our family in other ways, but the impression he made on my heart as a little girl is still precious.

Jeanne, Ben, Cece, Frankie, Amy, Eliot – to know and be loved by such a man is indeed a priceless thing, even for so short a time. (And it was way too short!) He is greatly missed. We are praying for you and we love you! Susie and Vern

Jeanne, Ben, CeCe and Frankie,
We just today heard the sad news. We wish to extend our sympathies and prayers to all of you. Rod was a wonderful man and we loved sharing our time in Montana riding, talking and watching him love his beautiful family. With love and sympathy, Joe, Chris and Matt Dattilo

The hardest part of grieving for a special person like Rodney is not having had the chance to say "thanks" for all of the support, memories and special moments he has provided so many through his friendship and civic and professional leadership. As an old fraternity brother from Augustana, he provided memories that have lasted for more than 40 years and to continue. My thoughts are with the family as they rebuild a life without Rodney's presence, but never without his spirit and memories.

Dear Joslin Family:
We are so sorry about Rod's passing. Charlie and Annie especially send heartfelt sympathies to Cece and Ben. Warmly, The Coleman Family
Lisa, Michael, Charlie and Annie

Jeanne, Ben, CeCe and Frankie,
Our thoughts and prayers our with you.
We are so sorry to hear about your loss.
Sincerely,
Julie, Rick, Katie and Danny Gertler

Dear Joslin Family:

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. May Rod's memory be eternal.

Lou Milicich
(Former J&B Partner)
DLA Piper Belgrade, Serbia
Lake Forest, Illinois

I am a fraternity brother of Rodney's from his Augustana College days. I have not seen Rodney since probably 1966, 1967, or 1968, I am not sure which. Regardless, it has been a long time. Hearing of his illness and death has touched me deeply and evoked many memories from our Augie days. We used to call each other "Hotch" or "Hotcher" and I recall also that we used the phrase "That's a 50-center" to express our feelings about a particular event, encounter, or deed. I have fond memories of Friendship Fair and the midnight requisition for materials at the Erie Lumber Yard. Another memory is of visiting Rodney on his farm and doing some target-shooting with his rifle, a first for me. When I was a pledge, Rodney was an active and I recall he had me clean the engine of his car behind Carlsson Hall as one of my pledge duties. I am sorry that I have not had the opportunity to see and visit with Rodney over the intervening years since the late 60's. It is my loss, but I shall cherish fondly the memories of the times I shared with him at Augustana College. My deepest sympathy to his wife, children, grandchildren, and entire family. He will be deeply missed.

Jeanne & family -

Our heart-felt sympathy goes out to all of you at the loss of a great man. We always enjoyed talking with all of you at the home farm in Erie and have many good memories. Jeanne, if you need any help with anything at your home in Erie, please let us know. We would like to be of any assistance that we can. As we are presently out of state, we will not be able to attend the service honoring Rodney, but please be aware that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May our Lord strengthen and comfort all of you during this difficult time.

Love,
Paul & Marlene Steinert

Such a sad day for his family, all the kids, staff, educators and members of the Board who benefited from his friendship, leadership and vision for our future. We will miss Rod more than we ever can know.

Bob Colvin & Carla Michelotti