Michael David Rode, of Castell, passed away at his home on Friday, September 11, at the age of 51. Michael was born on February 1, 1958 in San Antonio, the only child of David Eli Rode and Opal Schmidt Rode. He was raised in Mason and was a 1976 graduate of Mason High School. He graduated from San Angelo State University with a degree in Agribusiness. On November 29, 1986 he married Adotia Mikeska. In earlier years Michael was active in the Jaycees and he was an avid Dallas Cowboy's fan. He was a loving husband and father to his family. When not working, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Michael was a self-employed farmer and rancher in Mason. From 1988 to 1998 he worked for Miller Bowie Farmers Coop in Texarkana and in 1998 he and Adotia moved to Castell.

Michael is survived by his wife Adotia Rode, of Castell, 3 daughters Charlotte, Skye and Audra Rode of Castell, his mother Opal Rode of Mason and his father and mother-in-law Billy Charles and Judy Mikeska of Kerrville. He is also survived by the following aunts and uncles: Phillip and Joann Schmidt of Georgetown, Dorman Schmidt of Colorado, LeRoy and Margaret Rode of Castell, Andrew and Theresa Rode of Cherry Spring, Helen and Carroll Hoffmann of Geronimo, Emeline Stubblefield of Fredericksburg, Rosalind and Roy Neuman of Crawford, Marion Stewart of McGregor, Irene and Tracy Merz of Cherry Spring and Idabelle Erickson of Prairieville, LA along with his brothers and sisters-in-law Bill Dudley Mikeska and wife Camille of New Braunfels, Wayne Mikeska of Fredericksburg, Mitch Mikeska and wife Sherri of Kerrville and Scott Mikeska and wife Clair of San Angelo. Michael was preceded in death by his father, David Eli Rode on March 3, of this year.

Funeral services for Michael Rode will be held on Sunday, September 13, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mason with Rev. Tim Scheffel officiating. Interment will follow in the Christ Lutheran Cemetery at Cherry Spring. Visitation with the family will be Saturday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers are Dean Eckert, Drew Duncan, Jim Skehan, Sam Jordan, Mark Kruse and Dewey Eckert.

Memorials in his honor may be made to St. Paul Lutheran church Hand Bell Choir or to the Marrow foundation.