George W. Rodman

George Willis Rodman Our beloved George passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on December 11, 2018.  While we grieve the loss of such a remarkable man, we rejoice in the promises of God that he lives on and we will be reunited someday.  George was born on September 7th, 1928 to missionary parents in Valle de la Pascua, Venezuela.  He spent the first five years of his life in South America.  When his mother became ill, they returned to the United States.  He grew up residing with extended family in both San Francisco and Turlock.  He fondly recalled that as a young boy, he would pack a lunch, strap on his metal roller skates and explore all of San Francisco.  In Turlock, he resided with the Bergman family, where he learned some valuable life skills; how to milk a cow, roof a home and become a man of integrity.  He developed a close and life-long friendship with his dear cousin “Bergie”.  They enjoyed singing in a barber shop quartet, playing basketball, creating silly camp songs, telling Scandinavian jokes, and learning how to sail.   George graduated from Turlock High School in 1947.    George felt the calling of the gospel of grace and attended Trinity Seminary in Chicago, IL.  It was there that an attractive coed, Betty Brunell put her sights on him, and won his heart.  George graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Theology in June of 1954.  He and Betty were married in Los Angeles a week later.  George pastored Evangelical Free Churches in Rockford and Evanston, IL, North Platte, NE, and Garden Grove, CA.  They welcomed their first born, Jane in 1958 and Julie in 1960.  In 1965, George decided to continue his education and make a career change.  The family moved to Fresno where he attended CSUF and completed a Master’s in Social Work, and his LCSW.  In 1968 the family established their home in Visalia, where George began a private practice in Individual, Marriage and Family Counseling. He also provided consultation services to several hospitals and facilities.  George influenced and impacted everyone he met and counseled in a positive way.  He genuinely cared for people with his wise and gentle spirit. He helped many people struggling with challenges to navigate in this broken world.  He was a gifted man that could build or restore anything; an antique piece of furniture, a broken-down sail boat, a brick fireplace, a home’s roof, but most importantly the lives of people.  He lived out his unwavering faith in a genuine way and was a prayer warrior for others.  He served and honored the Lord in every aspect of his life.  George’s favorite joys in life were simple things.  He loved sailing on beautiful Huntington Lake with his Hobie Cats or Day Sailor, cross country skiing in the Sierras, a good book, colorful Fall leaves, feeding hummingbirds, fluffy cumulus clouds, a good Scandinavian joke, Italian food, apple pie, Saturday college football, and spending time with his dear friends and family.    George was a devoted husband to Betty for 64 years.  He was an amazing father who modeled our heavenly Father’s love to Jane Alfano and Julie Whitlock (Mike), a sweet and tender Papa to grand-daughters Liz Alfano, Nikki Gilman (Daniel), and Jacquie Whitlock, and a proud Great-Papa to Graham George Gilman.  He also leaves his half-siblings John Rodman and Marie Frye.   He was a loyal and fun-loving friend to many.  He was preceded in death and welcomed home by his wife Betty, parents John and Ethel Rodman, brother Fred, and beloved friend Bergie.  “His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master!”  Matthew 25:21. We would like to express our thanks to Magnolia Park and their truly wonderful staff for their kind and devoted care for both Mom and Dad.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, December 29, 2018, at Gateway Church of Visalia at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Visalia Rescue Mission in George’s honor.