Roderick “Rod” J. Meeuwsen, age 55, of Gun Lake, was called home to be with his Lord in Heaven, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020. The husband of Denette Meeuwsen of 26 years. They were soul mates brought together by Joann, a good friend. Although their love story was cut short their love will go on forever. Born in Zeeland, to Patricia Brown and the late Earl Meeuwsen. He is survived by his wife, Denette; mother, Patricia Brown; step-mother, Barb Meeuwsen; brother, Ross Meeuwsen; sister, Trenda Meeuwsen; step-sisters, Julie Horling, Kimmy Butler, Pam (Dennis) Silva, Michelle (Jeff) Bunker; step-brothers, Stan (Dawn) Brown, Lou (Eileen) Brown; sister-in-law, (Seester) Cheryl (Ivan) Kuhtic; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rod and Denette were the only aunt and uncle to their very special nieces, Angela (Kevin) Ferris, Monica (Jason) Wolowicz and Sabrina Kuhtic. He had a very close relationship with his six great nieces and nephews, Kayla, Isaac and Leah Ferris, Erika, Allison and Garrett Wolowicz. Rod and Denette had the honor of helping raise Britt and Will the children of Mark and the late Cathy Jager. Britt is married to Ben Davis and have two children, Olivia and Owen. Rod enjoyed watching all the kids in their activities and spending time with them. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Meeuwsen; stepfather, Stan Brown; mother and father-in-law, Barb and Andy DeBoer; grandparents Fred and Jean Grassmid; John and Josephine Meeuwsen. Rod loved his family and snuggling his fur babies Stella and Esme. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle soul. He was always so welcoming and loved giving the best hugs to all who needed one. He was the glue to our crazy. Rod was the grill master at all family gatherings where he would cook your steak to perfection. He enjoyed golfing with his Dad, grandpa Grassmid and his buddies; he was a die-hard MSU fan, he loved Michigan State and anyone that played Michigan. He also had a great love for Orca whales and loved Gun Lake and his fast-yellow boat rides. He worked at Bradford White for almost 25 years, where he made many life-long friends. A time of gathering will be held Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Stegenga Funeral Chapel – Wyoming, 3131 S. Division Ave. Wyoming. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to https://givingto.msu.edu/gift or Paws with a Cause https://www.pawswithacause.org To share a photo, memory and sign the online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com