Roderick Rod Melvin La Fond, age 73, of Hilbert, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family. Rod was born on December 10, 1937 in DePere, son of Melvin and the late Almira (Willey) La Fond. Rod served in the USMC from 1954 - 1957. On October 11, 1959, he married Joan Beattie of Little Chute in Negaunee, MI. Rod & Joan were married for 53 years. Rod worked at the Brillion Iron Works, Tecumseh, and Mercury Marine and later owned and operated Rods Sharpening Service in Hilbert. Rod loved to fish with his children, grandchildren and his favorite fishing buddy, Midnight the cat. Rod is survived by his wife Joan La Fond of Hilbert and five children; Robert & Connie La Fond, Fond du Lac; Raychalle La Fond & George Bitner, Colorado Springs, CO, Richard & Ginger La Fond, Lakewood, WI, Rhonda (La Fond) & Sidney Sawyer, Pensacola, FL, and Rory La Fond, Oshkosh; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his brother Rene La Fond, Bonduel, two sisters and brothers-in-law Rachel and John Olofson, Freedom, and Roberta and Roger Jezeski, Black Creek. He was preceded in death by his mother Almira, his son Ryan Michael and Grandson Phillip Ryan Groskinsky Jr. Friends may call for the graveside services at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4, at the Holy Family Cemetery, Brillion. Officiating at the service will be Rev. Dave Van de Hey. Military rites will be accorded by the Bloedorn-Becker-Jensen American Legion Post 126 of Brillion. The family wishes to thank ThedaCare HomeCare Nursing Staff and especially a big thank you to Mary L. Also, Mrs. La Fond would like to thank her special Brodder Jerry Beattie and his wife Cathy for always being there no matter what. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com. The Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion is assisting the La Fond family with arrangements.
