Rodney C. Van Der Sluis age 61 passed away December 24 at Hospice House in Eureka after a long illness with diabetes.

Rodney was born in Arcadia, California on September 8,1957 to parents Charles and Shirley Van Der Sluis.

Rodney attended Alice Birney Elementary & Jacobs Jr. High School. During that time he played on the Laura Scudder’s Little League Baseball Team as a catcher and on to play football, golf, his trumpet, plus Nascar was on his sports list. Rodney was amazing how he always remembered all the names of the players and coaches on the NFL football teams; this his mother will truly miss.

Rodney graduated from St Bernard’s High School Eureka in 1975. He entered the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division as an E5 Food Specialist, receiving an honorable discharge in 1985 and many commendations during his eight years of service.

After arriving home he worked in several food services, Denny’s and Safeway Bakery; during those times he also cared for his late wife when she became very ill.

Rodney was preceded in death by his father Charles Van Der Sluis, step-father Herbert A. Peterson Jr., tragic death of his son Kurt Van Der Sluis, his brother Robert Van Der Sluis, late wife Paula Poncia and Grandparents.

Rodney is survived by his mother Shirley Peterson, nephew Eric Van Der Sluis, sister-in-law Linda Mock and her daughter Amy, Peterson Family Eric and Jennifer and their sons Evan and Trevor, Jeffrey and Tuesday and their sons Ridge, Ford and Bryce, and Dennis and Debra Dulay and sons Andy (Marlyn) and Mathew, Aunt Juanita Johnson and numerous cousins

Rodney’s big smile, his kindness and politeness during his time with family, friends and people in general will be forever remembered.

Memorial Services for Rodney will be held on January 26, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 520 Del Norte St., Eureka.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Childrens Trust Fund, the First United Methodist Church, 520 Del Norte St. Eureka, Ca 95501 or a charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Rodney Van Der Sluis’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.