Roderick H. “Pops” Smith, age 72 of Spring Lake, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at home. He was born on December 18, 1948 in Ludington, MI to the late Harold and Darlene (Cleveland) Smith. Rod married Mary Antecki on July 4, 1998, and she preceded him in death in 2006.
Rod attended Grand Haven High School and then worked as an electrical and mechanical engineer for many years. He was a long-time member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony’s Parish and the Knights of Columbus, which he played Santa Claus on their annual float for the Jingle Bell Parade.
Rod was a funny guy and social butterfly who loved being with his friends playing cards, and golfing with his brothers, being active on several golf leagues. He enjoyed watching his grandkids football games, listening to country music, and especially loved going to family holiday get-togethers, which he never missed.
Rod is remembered and missed by his significant other, Brenda Alpers; step-children, Melissa (Dan) Cooper, Craig (Jamie) and Scott (Melissa) Cardinel, Fred and Miranda Alpers; step-grandchildren, Daniel and Taylor Cooper, Nicholas, Liam, and Lennox Alpers, and Chloe, Camden, Pfieffer Cardinel; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Darlene (Maxine) Ruiter and Patti Jo (Edward) Crow; brothers, Tim (Merry) Smith, Sr. and Anthony “Tony” (Debbie) Smith; sister-in-law, Debbie Smith.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bridget Smith; and former wife, Linda Calkins-Smith; brothers, Nicholas Lovejoy, Al Smith, Mike Smith, Philip Smith; sister, Lois Smith.
The Funeral Mass for Rod will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at St. Patrick- St. Anthony’s Parish with Fr. Charles Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 24th at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Crockery Township Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus.
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