Michael K. Rode

Michael K. Rode, 70, of Mentor, passed away January 19, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born March 22, 1955, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to the late George and Patricia Rode. Mike was raised in Wickliffe, Ohio, and he loved his community. Growing up, he enjoyed playing baseball and football, which led to a lifelong dedication to the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Indians. He was a proud Wickliffe Blue Devil and played four years of high school football. After graduating in 1973, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University in 1977, followed by his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1980. Mike began his career at Reminger as a law clerk and insurance adjuster before moving into a long-standing role at Management Recruiters International (MRI), where he served as Vice President and General Counsel. He returned to Reminger in 2012 and retired in 2023. In 2017, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by MRINetwork. Throughout his career, he maintained many long-standing relationships with former colleagues. Mike married the love of his life in 2010. The kindness, respect, and love they showed one another were beautiful to behold. Together, they opened their home to family and friends and created memories that will be forever cherished by their loved ones. Later in life, Mike’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. He was a proud papa, constantly bragging about them, showing off photos, and supporting them at their many events. Mike had a deep love for life, from the exciting to the mundane. He was always on the go, often driving his tiny car, which he was so proud of. He was an avid reader, a music and movie buff and enjoyed family vacations, especially trips to Lakeside, Marblehead and later to wine country in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Although he went to the gym four to five days a week and walked religiously, he also loved his snacks. He always had a bowl of something to crunch on. Making new friends was easy for Mike. He was extremely charismatic and could strike up a conversation just about anywhere. Mike will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. Survivors include his children, Paul (Jamie) Rode, Thomas (Jacqueline) Rode, Jill (Jesse) Nolan, Courtney (Matt) Morris, and Lindsey (Patrick) Plataz; siblings, Thomas (Julie) Rode and Susan (Anthony) Farina; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Preceding Michael in death are his wife, Lisa Rode (née Prizzi), and his sister, Carol Rode. Family and friends will be received from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. A memorial service will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at The Preserve at Mentor Ridge and Hospice of the Western Reserve for their exceptional care, kindness, and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast Region, P.O. Box 31907, Independence, OH 44131, or on their website at www.ohparkinson.com/donate/. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Michael K. Rode

March 22, 1955 - January 19, 2026