Rodney Alan Sharp

Rod was born February 9, 1947, to Irma and Clarence (Bud) Sharp in Ishpeming, Michigan. He was a lifelong Palmer resident. He graduated from Negaunee High School. After graduation he enlisted in the US Marine Corps for 2 years of which he was so proud of. Rod was a volunteer fire fighter as well as an EMS volunteer of Richmond Township. Rod also helped teach EMS classes. He served on the Richmond Township Board. His 34-year career was at Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company as a maintenance mechanic. He worked underground at the Mather B for 15 years and retired from the Empire Mine in 1999. Six months after retirement he began his courageous battle with cancer and then a few years later a stroke. In his earlier days Rod was an amazing dancer and loved to dance anywhere. He was able to enjoy trips to Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Jamaica, Nashville and Florida. He loved going to the grandchildren“Ćs activities and games. Having anyone come and take him for a ride was a thrill, whether it was in a car or boat. In the later years his love was Bonanza and Gunsmoke. He would say “Shush this show is a new one!”

He was the devoted and loving husband of Kristina Sharp, whom he married on September 2, 1995. They have resided in Sands Township for 28 years.

Rod is survived by his loving wife, Kristina, and a proud dad of 5 children who will miss him deeply and have fond memories of his laughter and zest for life: Greg Sharp, Marquette, Cindy (John) Dorn, Appleton, WI, Lisa (Bob) Strohm, Skandia , Lindsay Heino, Negaunee , Amy (David) Cardinal, Lansing, MI. His grandchildren: Helana Sharp, Kenzi Sharp, Jakob Dorn, Ethan Dorn, Michael Rector, Andrew Strohm, Marissa Strohm, Mara (Chris) Heino, Keira Heino, Lindsay (Roger)Ackerman, Chelsea (Tristen) Rockafellow; great-grandchildren: Eli Rector, Aurora Rector, Miriam Ackerman, Natalia Ackerman, Alice Rockafellow and Ariya Rockafellow. His little pal canine who would sit on his lap, Misha. Rod also leaves behind his sister, Sandra Dees of Marquette and brother, Jeff (Teresa) Sharp of Gwinn; sisters-in-law: Paulette (Sam) Massenburg, Linda (Martin) Talsma, brothers-in-law: Barry (Michele) Bahrman, Steven (Barbara) Bahrman, Dan (Pam) Bahrman, and David (Karen) Bahrman. Many special cousins, nieces, nephews and many special friends, one in particular, Fran Nelson.

Rod has been reunited with his parents, Irma and Bud Sharp; his mother and father-in-law, Arline and Harold Bahrman; and brother, Joe Sharp; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rod was a loving husband, dad, grandpa (PaPa) and friend. His legacy will live on through the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing and laughing with him.

Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, December 30th from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm with services beginning at 1:00 pm with Rev. Bill Hill officiating. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held in the funeral home reception room. Final resting place will be in the Skandia Cemetery.

The family would like to express to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice their deepest gratitude for the support and loving care that they gave to Rod and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of donor’s choice.

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.