Rodney "Rod" Farmer, 84, Grand Island, died December 22, 2015, at Good Samaritan in Wood River.

Rod was born on July 9, 1931, in Fremont, NE to Earl and Sarah (Koch) Farmer. He grew up in Fremont and graduated from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont.

On July 5, 1953, he was united in marriage to Jean Niemoth at Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island. After which the couple lived in St. Louis, MO; Kansas City, KS; and Des Moines, IA where he was involved with YMCA his whole career. Rod retired as CEO of the Greater Des Moines YMCA and retired to Estes Park, CO.He moved to Grand Islandafter his wife's death in 2010.

Rod was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He enjoyed sports of any kind, having played college basketball and handball at the YMCAs he worked. He loved the mountains and his dog, Fritz.

Rod is survived by his sister-in-law, Susan (Niemoth) and Jerry Shalberg of Grand Island; dog, Fritz III; and cousin, LaDonna Birr of Pulaski, WI.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Jean,and his parents.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Memorials are suggested to Messiah Lutheran Church or donor's choice.