Rod was born in Spokane, WA and graduated from Central Valley High School in 1950. His interests included FFA, football, shop, and especially boxing. He was in the first boxing group at Central Valley High School.

He attended WSC on a boxing scholarship for two years, then joined the Navy where he worked on planes at the Naval Air Base in Spokane.

On June 28,1953, he married Lois Root in Spokane. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Rod contracted Polio, so the family moved to Bremerton to be near the Naval hospital. After being discharged, the family moved back to Spokane for his rehabilitation.

The family then moved to Pullman where he returned to WSC, and their second child was born. He graduated with a Masters in Agricultural Education in 1958. Rod took a teaching position with the Newport Washington School District, and their third child was born. During his time at Newport, he helped get a grant called Operation Help. This grant was for students to learn vocational trades like shop, equipment operation, welding, and later new programs like the KUBS radio station.

After living two years in town, the family moved into a log cabin on 160 acres of timberland. Twelve years later, they built a house on the homestead and lived there for 10 years. After Rod earned his Superintendent credentials from Whitworth College, they moved to the Tri Cities where he became Superintendent of the Finley School District until his retirement in 1989. He also raised cattle until his wife retired in 1993.

After that Rod and Lois moved to Walla Walla where they rebuilt a home. They enjoyed traveling in their RV and volunteering at the Fort Walla Walla Museum where Rod was their blacksmith for many school and tour groups. Rod and Lois were active members of Walla Walla Presbyterian Church. Rod’s last three years were spent at the Washington State Veteran’s Home in Walla Walla where he received wonderful care.

Rod is survived by Lois, his wife of 72 years, daughter Jody Schneidmiller (Paul), sons Kevin Hahn (Wilma) and Lance Hahn (Lisa), his sister Gretchen Pallmer, 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life is planned on the family homestead outside of Newport for immediate family.