John Kenneth Roden

John Roden, 90, left this world peacefully for his heavenly home on September 10, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Lima, Montana.

John was born on October 23, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, to Kenneth and Sally Roden. He was the second oldest of 10 children. He grew up in Chicago and moved to southern Ohio when he was 10 years old. He graduated from Andover High School. He then attended Brian College in Dayton, TN. After a year of college, he joined the US Army where he was stationed in France as a lineman. He achieved the rank of Specialist Grade 4 (E-4). Upon discharge from the army, he went back to Brian College to complete his degree. In 1961 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minored in Biblical studies. Upon graduation he moved back to Chicago, where he worked at Canada Dry as the Assistant Plant Manager for Product Control. He met his wife Erlanda Sue Port and they were married on May 9th, 1964. John and Sue then purchased a Service Master franchise and moved to North Aurora, IL where they lived for 10 years.

In 1974, John felt God's calling upon his life to become a pastor. The family moved to Long Prairie, MN where John became the Pastor of Round Prairie Congregational Church. In 1976 the family moved to Lima, MT. John became the Pastor of Lima Community Church where he served for 8 years. In 1984 John resigned as pastor and elected to be self-employed. He worked various jobs to include working summers for Snowline Grazing Association and during the winter we would trap various predators and nuisance animals for local ranchers.

John was a devoted husband and father. He was an avid reader as well as a skilled outdoorsman. John was published in several outdoor magazines because of his trapping knowledge and experiences. He was always willing to offer spiritual guidance or hunting advice. He enjoyed collecting plants and seeds from all over the region. He was well known in the community for his greenhouses and enjoyed beautifying the community with his flowers.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Erlanda, his sons; Richard, Roy (Joanna) and Robert (Jennifer), his grandchildren; Elisa and Isaac, his brothers; Kenneth (Joyce), Joseph, Mike (Vicki), and Steve (Susan), and his sister, Doris.

He will be missed by friends, family and the community that he was so deeply involved in. A Memorial service is scheduled for 11am on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Lima Community Church. A community potluck and fellowship time will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would like individuals to donate to their favorite charity on behalf of John or donate to the Lima Community Church benevolence fund.