Rodney Wolfarth

Rodney Bruce "Rod" Wolfarth, age 71, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at his home under the loving care of his family and Spectrum Health Hospice. The son of Harry & Patricia (Moon) Wolfarth, Rod was born October 16, 1948 in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Rod graduated from Fox Chapel High in 1966. He went on to the University of Pittsburgh to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1970 and a Master of Science Degree in 1972. Rod began his career in Forensic Science in Michigan at the Department of Health, and later at Michigan State Police (MSP) Crime Laboratory in 1972. Rodney also served as an Adjunct Professor of Forensic Science at Grand Valley State University for 23 years. He retired from the Michigan State Police in 2004 and began a second career in forensics with The Commonwealth of Virginia, Criminal Justice Services in Roanoke, Virginia. Rod fully retired in 2013. On September 17, 1977, in Okemos, he married Joana E. Carpenter and together they enjoyed 42 years of marriage and raised two children. Rod enjoyed reading, travel, photography, swimming, games, and spending time with family. Rod was a long-time fan of the University of Pittsburgh "Pitt Panthers", Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Rod kept his Christian faith close to his heart and enjoyed the parables taught by Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Patricia (Moon) Wolfarth; his brother, Michael Wolfarth; and a sister-in-law, Georgia Carpenter. Rod is survived by his wife, Joana; a son, Ronald Dale Wolfarth; a daughter Lindsay Anne (Steve) Malon; one grandchild, Jonathan Wolfarth, and three step-grandchildern, Eli, Stella, and Heath Malon; his siblings, Kaaren (Wolfarth) Sturgeon, Christopher Wolfarth, Janice (Wolfarth) O'Hagan; siblings-in-law, Dennis Carpenter, Kristine Guthrie, Deborah Carpenter, Karen (Gary) Glidden, and Greg (Vicki) Carpenter; and many nieces and nephews. The family invites relatives and friends to celebrate Rod's life from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Rod & Joana's home. Honoring his wishes, private family services will be held at Glendale Cemetery near Okemos. Instead of flowers, Rod would appreciate contributions to San Francisco City Impact and City Impact Cedar Springs. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rodney Wolfarth, please visit our flower store.