Rodney Edward Stoddard, 66, died peacefully at his home on Dec. 22, 2025, in the early morning hours at 3:15 a.m., surrounded by the people he loved most.
In accordance with Mr. Stoddard’s wishes, no funeral or visitation was held. His family plans to celebrate his life with one last party when the weather is nicer, just the way he would have wanted it. Kravanya Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Stoddard was born on Oct. 30, 1959, in Alton, to DeMona Duncan and Tony Stoddard. He grew up in Bunker Hill and graduated from Bunker Hill High School. For the past 37 years, he made his home in Gillespie, a place filled with memories, friendships and good times. He proudly served his country in the United States Army with Company D, Ninth Battalion, known as the “Delta Wolf Pack.” Following his serice, he worked hard throughout his life at Hillsboro Glass Factory, Richardson Manufacturing and T.B.I. He was a skilled machinist and carpenter, known for his strong work ethic and ability to fix or build just about anything. In his free time, he loved fishing, hunting, backyard golf and watching football, especially cheering on his beloved Minnesota Vikings. He had a special bond with his cat, Sativa, whom he absolutely adored. He was always ready for a good time and was truly the life of the party. He had a rare gift for making people laugh, made friends everywhere he went and never met a stranger.
He is survived by his children, Shane (girlfriend, Danielle Fisko) Stoddard of Benld, Paige (fiancé, Matt Rauzi) of Gillespie and Taylor (fiancé, Jessica Floyd) Stoddard of Gillespie; grandchildren, Logan (Whitney) Miller, Bailey Stoddard, Sadie Stoddard, Carter Stoddard and Kaolin Stoddard; great-grandchildren, Aubrei, Danni and Bradlee; and siblings, Steve Stoddard, Sharah (Phillip) Kayser, Tony (Christi) Stoddard and Christy (Mark) Besserman.
Mr. Stoddard was preceded in death by his parents, DeMona Duncan and Tony Stoddard.
Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Stoddard’s honor to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Wounded Warrior Project.
