In Memory
Rodger Allen McKee
July 26, 1938 ~ March 16, 2025
Rodger A. McKee, 86, of South Bend passed away on Sunday March 16, 2025, at his home.
Rodger was born on July 26, 1938, in South Bend to the late Paul and Victoria (Switzer) McKee.
Rodger was a lifelong resident of South Bend. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, and the American Legion Post 303. He graduated from Riley High School in 1957, and then proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He worked for Studebaker and went on to work for Koontz Wagner along with a few other motor companies as an electric motor repairman, retiring in 2003 after 35 years. He then decided to pursue his dream job of truck driving driving, traveling all across the United States.
Rodger met the love of his life, Sandra Dupee, while he was stationed in Newport, RI with the Navy, eventually marrying her on December 3, 1960, in Attleboro, MA. Sandra and Rodger spent the last 64 years together before her passing in December of 2024.
Rodger is survived by his daughters; Cheryl (Joseph) Lichnerowicz, Kathleen (Steve) Jackman, Kelly (David) Williams, and Karen (Todd) Butchko, as well as his grandchildren; Chad (Jessica), Matthew, Joshua (Shelby), Cassandra (Nathan), Haillie, Jamie (Josh), Jacob (Stephanie), Daniel, Kyle, and Addison, and 15 great grandchildren. Rodger’s brother, Richard (Gail) McKee also survives.
Rodger was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, his parents, and his sister, Paulette Zimmer.
Visitation for Rodger will be held from 5pm-7pm on Wednesday March 19, 2025, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend. Visitation will also be held from 10am-11am on Thursday March 20 at the funeral home with a funeral service beginning at 11am. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Center for Hospice Care and/or Wounded Warriors.
Online condolences to the family may be sent to the family via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
3/18/2025 djb
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