Rod Karlin of Dearborn, MO passed away March 11, 2020 in Lawrence, KS.
Rod was born February 27, 1954 in Hays, KS, the son of Felix and Henrietta Karlin.
Rod graduated from Lawrence High School in 1972 and earned a BA in Business from KU. Rod worked for many years in Texas before moving back to Lawrence and later settled in Dearborn, MO. Rod recently retired after 20 years of service as a correctional officer at Kansas Department of Corrections.
Rod is remembered with love by his partner Debbie Stephenson, his children Brent, Troy, and Brady Karlin, Rick (Allison) Richter, Krystle (Ross) Martin, Adam (David) Groth, Jessi (Chris) Timmons and Julian Turner; siblings Terry Karlin (Tim Smith), Donna (Dann) Coffman, Gary (Pam) Karlin, Pam Henry, Tom (Kim) Karlin, Pat (Mary Beth) Karlin, and Jason Karlin. Along with numerous grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.
He leaves behind many close friends from his years with the KDOC. As the owner/operator of his fireworks stand since 1998, at 31st and Kasold, Rod will also be remembered by his many loyal customers.
The family suggest memorials in his name to Behavioral Health Leadership Coalition and may be sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
A Celebration of Rod’s life will take place at a later date once the bans on social gatherings have been lifted.
Cool web-site you’ve gotten going here.
Rod was a long time loyal friend. Such sad news.
Sorry to here of Rod’s recent passing. I meet Rod at LHS and talked with him at KU when we were both in the School of business. A few years later we were partners in a business venture. When he moved back to Lawrence in the 90’s, I would talk to him at his fireworks stand and other times when we ran in to each other. When he moved to Missouri we lost touch, but I did give him a hug and we had a good talk at last LHS reunion. To his family I offer my sincere condolences, and let them known that Rod will be remembered.
To Rod’s loved ones, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of this great man. We went to school together & years later would catch up & reminisce while shopping for fireworks at this stand.
Dear Pat and all of the family,
My heart goes out to you.
Thinking of you lots.
“Though the voice is quiet, the Spirit echoes still.”
Healing Hugs, Beth Berg
We were so sorry to here about Rod. We shared lots of good times. My heart goes out to the entire Karlin family!
Unfortunate that the visitation is cancelled. I’m confident there is a TON of people wanting to pay respects. I’m confident Rod would be gratified so many people remembered him well.
I first met Rod and Debbie at my grandsons highschool football game; then they came to his graduation. I thought they were both so special then. They hosted my daughters 40 birthday with a fireworks display at their house. Rod could talk about anything.
I know my daughter and the Carson family will miss him dearly.
Sorry to hear about Rod. Thoughts and prayers from our family go out to yours in this time of sorrow.
So sorry to hear this sad news of Rod’s passing. I hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you all in the days ahead. ❤️
I became friends with Rod and his family many years ago. I baby sat for him and a few of his siblings at at times for several years. They are a great family. Ernie and I were so sorry to hear of his passing. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to his family. Rosie & Ernie Aldrich.
Gary and Pat,
Sorry to hear about the loss of Rodney. My prayers are with Each of you and your families. May God Bless you all during this time of sorrow.
So sorry for your loss! I’ve known the incredible Karlin family since the early 60s at St. John’s. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family as you deal with this tragedy. May God be with you all!
I didn’t get to know Rod, but I know how happy he made my friend Debbie and because of that I liked him. The Mr made a beautiful change in my friend. They were so good together and her happiness was contagious.
It’s not possible to sum up a person in words, so I don’t have anything particularly eloquent to say. Rod was a good man with a big heart; he welcomed my sister and I into his family before we even met. He never learned to rest and was always in the middle of a million projects — making one of the ponds on the farm safe for swimming, including fighting snapping turtles; fixing one of the many tractors and cars he collected; remodeling the house. He found joy in bringing delight to others through his dry humor, shooting off fireworks, and talking my ear off with his knowledge about any topic I brought up, even when I thought surely this would be the one I could teach him something about. He added new members to his found family everywhere he went, filling holes in our hearts we didn’t know were there. I wish I had more time with him, and he will be greatly missed.
It’s a bit overwhelming to learn of Rod’s passing. I last spoke to him at the Kasold on the Curve fireworks stand. I remember him well as one of my first students at LHS. Much later, we re-connected at Lasing Correctional Facility where he worked on the Shakedown team and I as a counselor. He was such a good kid; good worker; and a good man. The world misses men like him.
So sorry to hear about Rod. Our family have known the Karlin family since they moved to Lawrence in the 50’s. It is apparent That Rod had many, many friends and a large family that which is so great in this time of sadness. Unfortunately my health condition will not allow me to attend the visitation. My condolence to all the family and friends.
I am so very sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. Losing a sibling is a very difficult time. May your memories of Rod bring a little ray of sunshine to help you through the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
This is so hard. Rod and Bill were high school buddies. Rod was in our wedding. Our love and and prayers for the family. You are going to be so missed.
So very sorry for the loss of your brother, dad, partner and friend. Our prayers are with you all during this time. May you experience the peace and love of our Heavenly Father in your time of grief.
Sorry to hear about Rod’s passing. Condolences and virtual hugs to all of you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so sad to hear Rodney passed away. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We pray God looks over you during this difficult time.
So deeply sorry for your loss, hugs and prayers to all.
I am so sorry to hear about Rod. You are all in my prayers . I wont be able to attend the memorial but you will all be in my thoughts an prayers. Love you ???
Words seem so feeble in moments like these. Life is so precious and death is such a thief. The depths of your pain, I can’t comprehend, but I’ll stand along side you in the darkness, my friend. Love is a bond that death cannot part. Gone from your arms, but still held in your heart.