Reverend Robert Kenneth Rodeffer

On Saturday, March 12, 2020.  Devoted husband of the late Katherine Jean Rodeffer; Beloved father of Katherine Rodeffer (Gretchen), Carolyn Rodeffer, and Mary Ann Vaughan (Michael); grandfather of Christopher, Emma, Joanna, Rebecca, Sarah and Grace and Daisy, great-grandfather of Grayson.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 20 at 3:00 pm at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD.

Robert Kenneth Rodeffer      February 20, 1930 – March 12, 2022 (age 92)

Rev. Robert Kenneth Rodeffer, of Silver Spring, MD was called to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 12, 2022.  He was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Katherine Jean (Bodmer) Rodeffer and is survived his daughters, Kathy Rodeffer (Gretchen), Carolyn Rodeffer, and Mary Ann Vaughan (Michael); grandchildren Christopher Libby (Lyndsay), Emma Libby (Zach), Joanna Libby (Michael), Rebecca Vaughan, Sarah Rodeffer, Daisy Rehbock, and Grace Rodeffer; and great-grandson Grayson Libby.  

A graduate of the University of Maryland and Wesley Seminary, Rev. Rodeffer faithfully served the Baltimore Washington Conference for 42 years pastoring Seat Pleasant (Gethsemane), Trinity (Prince Frederick), Hamline (Hamline-Simpson), Lanham, and Grace (Gaithersburg) UMC.  He was appointed District Superintendent of the Washington East District in 1990 where he served until his retirement in 1998.  Bob felt passionate about his ministry as a District Superintendent and having the honor of mentoring others.  He and Jean enjoyed going to each of the churches for Charge Conferences every fall and came home tired but blessed.  Rev. Rodeffer also served two terms as Dean of the Cabinet. 

After retiring from ministry in 1998, Bob and Jean had more time to travel and to spend time with their children and grandchildren.  The extended family cruise vacations were a particular highlight, as were river boat cruises in Europe and trips to Disney World.  Bob’s passion for travel was put to use as he took on the trip planning role in the seniors group, Young At Heart.  Bob was also an active participant in a monthly lunch gathering of retired bishops, superintendents, and their spouses, where he enjoyed the fellowship and opportunity to stay connected with colleagues and the work of the Methodist Church.  

Bob was a passionate sports fan, having played football, baseball, and basketball at Montgomery Blair High School and loved rooting for University of Maryland teams, especially the women’s basketball team. As a lifelong baseball fan, Bob was delighted when professional baseball returned to Washington DC and when the Nationals won the World Series win.   He was a caring and supportive husband and a wonderful father and grandfather.  Always proud of the accomplishments of his daughters and grandchildren, Bob loved attending concerts, school programs, award ceremonies, athletic events, and graduations.  

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 20 at 3:00 pm at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 11416 Cedar Lane, Beltsville, MD.  In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to:  Elizabeth Seton High School (5715 Emerson St, Bladensburg, MD 20710) please designate: Robert and Jean Rodeffer memorial scholarship fund. 

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