Rodney Menzel Obituary

Rodney "Rod" Kerwyn Menzel passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, at the age of 56. Born on November 2, 1968, in Lodi, California, Rod was the beloved son of William "Bill" and Pamela "Pam" Menzel. He spent his youth in Lodi, where he developed a love for family, food, and football-often enjoying meals at the Woodbridge Inn, owned by his grandparents, Roy and Jean Reich, in the 1980s.
A proud graduate of Lodi High School in 1987, Rod was a dedicated student-athlete who played and lettered in football all four years. He continued his football journey at Delta College and later transferred to California State University, Northridge. There, he earned a degree in business finance, joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity, was an All-American football player, and most importantly, it is where he met the love of his life, Michelle. The two married in Encino, California, in 1996 and settled in Ventura County, where they started their life and family together.
Rod was a devoted father to sons Austin (born 1998) and Brandon (born 2001), and he loved nothing more than cheering them on-from coaching the boys in youth sports, to watching Brandon play college baseball, and more recently, in their careers. His professional path began in banking, but in 1999, Rod took a leap of faith and founded his own roofing company. Under his leadership, the company grew to employ 28 full-time team members and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Rod was also a passionate marathon runner, completing 13 races across the globe. He proudly finished the Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego marathons. He was set to complete his sixth and final Abbott World Marathon Major in London on April 27, a milestone he eagerly anticipated. Rod's life was defined by intentionality, generosity, and faith. He read his Bible daily, led with love and purpose in business, and strived to bring joy to everyone he met. In 2024, he and Michelle fulfilled a longtime dream by purchasing a second home in South Lake Tahoe, where they made cherished memories with family and friends.
Rod is survived by his wife of 28 years, Michelle; his sons, Austin and Brandon; his father, Bill Menzel; and his brother, Jason Menzel. He is preceded in death by his mother, Pamela. A private memorial service will be held at Moorpark Presbyterian Church in Moorpark, CA, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. In honor of Rod's deep Christian faith and his love for Lake Tahoe, donations may be made to Moorpark Presbyterian Church https://mpclife.breezechms.com/give/online or Keep Tahoe Blue https://raisedonors.com/leaguetosavelaketahoe/in-memory-of-rod-menzel
Rod's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, kind heart, and the joy he found in life's simplest and most profound moments.