Rodney Steven Bear

Rodney Steven Bear, 59, passed away on January 21, 2025 at his home in Tiffin, Ohio.  Rod was born to the late Robert Lee Bear and Betty Lou (Pfleider) Bear on Feb 27, 1965 in Fostoria, Ohio. He grew up in the country near Fostoria and was a 1983 graduate of Lakota High School. Rod earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Terra Technical College in 1985. Rod worked for seventeen years at Kmart in Fostoria, Ohio, and then moved to Tiffin, Ohio. He worked for Owen’s Corning in Tiffin for thirteen more years before his health began to decline. 

Rod was an avid reader and a history buff. He especially enjoyed western authors such as Louis L’Amour, and read all of the Tom Clancy books more than once. He consumed history books ranging from the ancient history of the Greeks to more recent works on WWII, Korea and Vietnam. It wasn’t safe to mention anything about military history to Rod unless you had three hours of free time on your hands.

Rod found humor in everything. From a very early age, he was the person who found a way to laugh at and make fun of every situation. He was a fan of classic Dad Jokes, and started almost every conversation he ever had with a quip of some sort. He laughed at and with his friends. He laughed at and with his family. He laughed at the world. All who loved him will remember his fondness for puns, quips, and jokes of every variety, even if that memory is comingled with groans at his insistence on using outdated references.

Rod was much loved and will be sorely missed by friends and family alike. Rod is survived by his mother, Betty Bear of Tiffin and his brother, Glenn Bear and wife, Lorie (Langley) Bear of Bloomington, Indiana. He also leaves behind sister-in-law, Loretta (Aldrich) Bear of Fremont, Ohio, and nephews, Robert Bear and Nathan Bear and nieces, Kaylee Bear and Josie Bear. Rod was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Bear and brothers, Eric Lee Bear and Michael David Bear.

Family and friends are invited to gather to remember Rod on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 12:00 noon at the Hampton Inn at 2492 OH-231, Tiffin OH 44883.  Lunch will be served, and we'll share stories. Rod's wish is that we gather, eat, and laugh.  Please bring pictures and stories – the funnier the better – to share.

Donations in Rod’s memory may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive, Suite 200, Rye Brook, NY 10573.

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