Rodney Lee “Rod” Milke, 60, Hays, died peacefully and surrounded by people who loved him Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 at Hays Medical Center. He had fought a yearlong courageous battle with brain cancer. 

He was born Nov. 4, 1958, in Plainville, Kan., the son of Clarence C. and Vera Rose (Jacobs) Milke. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Munjor Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council No. 11492, and Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, twice receiving the honor of Knight of the Year. He graduated from Plainville High School and moved to Casper to attend trade school. 

On Nov 7, 1981, he was united to Lori Christianson at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Lusk. They celebrated nearly 38 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children and three grandchildren. He became one of the best welder/ fabricators in the business. For the past 14 years he was the shop foreman at Discovery Drilling in Hays. 

For 15 years Rod and Lori were involved with Engaged Encounter. He enjoyed traveling, camping, riding motorcycles, his dogs, and bass fishing. He enjoyed cooking and was very good at it. He was patriotic, organized and hard-working. He loved his family and was quietly proud of each of them.

Survivors include his wife, Lori, of the home in Hays two sons, Ben Milke and girlfriend Amy Bergstrom of Casper, and Matt Milke of Hays; a daughter, Emilie Eaton and husband Josh of Ellis; three grandchildren, Jordyn Eaton, Beau Eaton and Presley Eaton, all of Ellis; two nephews, Zachary Milke and wife Laura of Durango, Colo., and Joseph Milke and wife Kelli of Greeley, Colo.; and a niece; Sarah Scott and husband Rory of Greensboro, N.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Clarence and Vera Milke and a brother; Joe Milke.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Justin Palmer officiating. Burial followed in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation was 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service, followed by a combined third- and fourth-degree Knights of Columbus rosary, were held Wednesday at the funeral home. The fourth degree Knights of Columbus stood honor guard Wednesday. Memorials are suggested to The Wonder Woman League for “Matthew’s Gift” bags. Condolences and memories of Rod may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.