Rodney Bear Obituary

Rodney Steven Bear

Rodney Steven Bear, 59, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at his home in Tiffin. Rod was born to the late Robert Lee Bear and Betty Lou (Pfleider) Bear on Feb 27, 1965, in Fostoria. 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 17 years at Kmart in Fostoria, and then moved to Tiffin. He worked for Owen's Corning in Tiffin for 13 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 Tom Clancy's 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for puns, quips, and jokes of every variety, even if that memory is comingled with groans at his insistence on using outdated references.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; 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.

A memorial service will be at a later date. Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.