We will send an invite after you submit!
In memory of
Rodney "Hot Rod/Runt" B VanVleet
September 15, 1964 - February 10, 2026
Sep 15, 1964 - Feb 10, 2026
-
-
-
-
-
-
Who else knew Rodney?
Photo
Obituary
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, Rodney "Hot Rod/Runt" VanVleet, who left us on February 10, 2026. Born on September 15, 1964, Rodney made the most of his time with us, always leaving a lasting impression of warmth and humor.
Rodney was a man of many names, known as "Hot Rod" and "Runt" to his friends, but he preferred Rodney. …
Send flowers
Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Rodney's family or funeral.
Want to stay updated?
Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
Favorites
What was Rodney's favorite color?
Blue
Blue
Blue
What were Rodney's favorite vacation spots?
Home
Home
Home
What were Rodney's favorite ways to spend free time?
He loves spending time with his children and grandchildren and spending time with hi…
He loves spending time with his children and grandchildren and spending time with his family
He loves spending time with his children and grandchildren and spending time with his family
What were Rodney's favorite sports teams?
Deer hunting fishing
Deer hunting fishing
Deer hunting fishing
Timeline
Born
September 15th, 1964
Passed away
February 10th, 2026
Battle Creek, MI
Survived by
Amanda Merkle
Daughter
Ashley VanVleet
Daughter
Danyell VanVleet
Daughter
Dawston VanVleet
Son
Marie Palmer
Ex-wife
Raymond VanVleet
Brother
Iris Longanecker
Sister
Laurie Slagle
Sister
Amber VanVleet
Sister
Thomas Lower
Grandson
Dezarae Lower
Granddaughter
Destiny Merkle
Granddaughter
Ashlin Lower
Granddaughter
Alayna Merkle
Granddaughter
Aalayah Lewis
Granddaughter
A’lonna Lewis
Granddaughter
Brayden Lewis
Grandson
Autumn Church
Niece
Robbie Aspinall
Nephew
Rodney Slagle
Nephew
Shebia Jacobs
Niece
Rex Slagle jr
Nephew
Steven Hooker
Nephew
Travis Slagle
Nephew
Dustin Hooker
Nephew
Tonya Cook
Niece
Kylee Vanvleet
Niece
Tony Hooker
Nephew
Raymond (RayRay) Vanvleet
Nephew
Donna Wood
Niece
Crystal Wood
Sister-in-law
Jason Merkle
Son-in-law
Kody Lewis
Son-in-law
Tina Mason
Sister-in-law
Predeceased by
Raymond VanVleet
Father
Althea Vanvleet
Mother
Kathy Church
Sister
Randy Church
Brother-in-law
Rex Slagle
Brother-in-law
David Sims
Brother
Thomas Lower
Son-in-law
Other people in Rodney's community
& others who may be privately subscribed to this website.
Other key details
Funeral services provided by
Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service
Send flowers
Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Rodney's family or funeral.
Share this memorial website
How you can help
Share with others
Created with love by
Amanda Merkle (Rodney's daughter).
