Rodney Dell Zona, age 75 of Farwell, formerly of Waterford, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2024 at the McLaren Central Michigan Hospital of Mt. Pleasant. On May 8, 1949, Rodney was born the eldest of two children to Raymond and Anna (Wright) Zona in Pontiac, MI. Rodney was a lifelong resident of Waterford, MI, and was a proud graduate of Waterford Kettering High School in 1969. Soon after his graduation, Rodney served ten years for General Motors of Pontiac before taking employment with the Meijer Corporation—where he would serve thirty-plus years with the company as a grocery supply manager. When Rodney wasn’t working, there was an excellent chance he was pursuing his great passion for trains. Labeling Rodney as a “Rail Fan” was putting it lightly, as he was a proud member of the Blue Water Chapter of the Michigan Train Club, an honorary conductor, and a frequent Michigan Transit Museum volunteer.
Rodney is survived by his sister Karen (Ron Lake) Crook of Farwell, his nephews John (Elizabeth) Keselring of Midland and Brian (Kasey) Crook of Montgomery, TX, and his nieces Kristine and Melissa Crook, both of whom reside in St. Clair Shores, MI. Other survivors include his great nieces and nephews Jayden, Jameson, Ethan, Mila, Sterling, and Callipoe, and his best friend Karl Joost of Chicago, IL. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Anna Zona.
In keeping with Rodney’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life service in honor of Rodney will take place at the Browns Corners Church of Clare on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jeremiah Ketchum officiating. An interment service will follow at a later date at the Ottawa Park Cemetery of Pontiac. Memorial contributions in honor of Rodney may be directed to the Michigan Transit Museum. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared on Rodney’s tribute page at www.stephenson-wyman.com
