Richard D. “Deke” Rodden, 68, of rural Lenzburg, IL, born January 1, 1954, in Du Quoin, IL, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday March 22, 2022.  He was a longtime truck driver, an HVAC technician and a dedicated NASCAR superfan.

Mr. Rodden was preceded in death by his stepfather and mother – Robert and Helen (McQuaid) Schaller and his beloved Charlene (Nana) Rodden and a sister – Cathy Schaller Burgard.

Deke is survived by his loving wife – the former Claire Gunder – whom he married on January 13, 1995, in Belleville, IL, daughter – Elizabeth (Kyle) Arnold of Hammond, IN, stepson – Donald (Tonia) Center of Hebron, IN, brothers – Robert “Goub” Rodden of Janesville, WI and Jon Schaller of Edwardsville, IL, sister – Karen Ehret of Belleville, IL and great aunt Helen Glaus of New Athens, IL. He is also survived by grandchildren – Abigail Larson, Andrew Condes, Emma Arnold, Kylie Arnold, Nancy Arnold, Tamara Hall, Caitlin Hall, Savannah Hall, Gavin Hall and many more grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loving in-laws and a few out-laws.

Memorials may be made to the family.

A memorial gathering of friends and family will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday March 26, 2022, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL.  Cremation will take place following the services.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Val and Terri says:

   03/27/2022 at 3:52 am

   So sorry to read about Deke’s passing. We went to school and grew up together. Our sympathy to his family.

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2. Thomas Germann says:

   03/26/2022 at 7:37 am

   May God grant you peace and strength during this difficult time. Deke was in my math class my very first year at New Athen. From day 1 he wanted to be a truck driver. He will truly be missed.

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3. Cathie Raney says:

   03/25/2022 at 11:27 am

   Dear family, I am praying for you to have peace and comfort during this difficult time. Lori is my friend and we have been praying for Deke for a long time. May you be blessed with His Presence and support.

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4. Donald Burgo says:

   03/25/2022 at 11:23 am

   Sorry for your loss! I will miss our “late night”..”early morning”‘chats!..My family will always treasure his “unselfishness” at our mother’s services!..

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5. Donna Reuss says:

   03/25/2022 at 10:29 am

   So very sorry for your loss, he was a classmate of mine, prayers for his family.

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   • Helen says:

     03/25/2022 at 10:51 am

     Sorry for the loss of Richard, he was a good friend. Condolences to Claire and the family.

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     • Deborah (Petot) Meinhardt says:

       03/25/2022 at 1:23 pm

       So sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathies. Prayers for the family. He was a good friend and classmate.

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6. Wayne Ruhmann says:

   03/25/2022 at 10:07 am

   Condolences to Richards family. Went to high with him and worked with his stepdad. Richard was always a good
   Friend.

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7. Mark Stehl says:

   03/25/2022 at 8:14 am

   So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. 🙏🏻

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8. roger says:

   03/25/2022 at 2:51 am

   Sorry for your lose,He will surely be missed

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   • Brenda says:

     03/25/2022 at 3:04 pm

     So sorry for your loss , we will all miss Deke he touched a lot of people , always there to help everyone. Prayers for you and family.

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9. LaDonna Petri says:

   03/24/2022 at 11:28 pm

   Sincere sympathy! Billy & LaDonna (Fritsche) Petri New Athens,IL

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10. Julie says:

    03/24/2022 at 9:38 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss, he was such a sweet and funny man.

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11. Amber Melendez says:

    03/24/2022 at 9:38 pm

    Papa and I are so sorry for your loss.

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12. Pam & Jim Hammel says:

    03/24/2022 at 6:39 pm

    So sorry to read this. Went to school with him and he was a nice guy. My sympathy to his family

    Reply
13. Michele Houston Goodman says:

    03/24/2022 at 5:58 pm

    My deepest sympathies to Richard’s entire family. I can remember him always having a sense of humor! May your memories give you comfort.

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14. Diane says:

    03/24/2022 at 4:20 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss sweet sister Claire. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Love you,

    Love always,
    Diane

    Reply