Rodney Howard Mineke, 87, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in Pasco, WA at his home of 57 years surrounded by family and friends. Rod was born in Rollet, North Dakota to Vernon and Esther (Longton) Mineke and grew up on a farm in Perth, ND until he was 11 years old.

On October 2, 1947, Rod and his family travelled by railroad away from a North Dakota winter storm to the beautiful sunshine and 80-degree temperatures of Pasco.

Rod graduated from Pasco High in 1955 and then went on to become member of the first graduating class of Columbia Basin College. During his time at CBC, Rod was also a pitcher on the baseball team.

In 1954, Rod enlisted in the Army and served as Staff Sergeant in the Active US Army Reserve 104th Infantry.

Rod met his wife, Laurene Hayes, while helping his brother dig sugar beets on her father, Pinky Hayes' farm in Basin City, WA. During their courtship, they spent summers boating on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and O'Sullivan Lake. On August 3, 1963, Rod married Laurene, and they embarked on over 47 years of a loving and dedicated marriage until her passing on February 23, 2011.

Rod had a successful career leading Logistic and Transportation departments at Hanford. He and his teams played integral roles coordinating the movement of a variety of items, including reactor vessels for FFTF and WPPSS.

Outside of work, he enjoyed playing the banjo, wood working, boating, hunting, snow skiing, four-wheeling on the beaches of Baja, Mexico and traveling the world. He was a Clover Island Yacht Club member and served as Commadore from 1999-2000.

Rod was kind and generous and took pride in always having a positive outlook and finding the bright side of life. He was loving and devoted to his friends and family. He leaves his family and friends with memories of his fun spirit, helpfulness, kindheartedness, generosity, big smile and laugh that they will all carry with them for a lifetime. Rod was always the life of the party and knew how to have fun. Anyone who knew him was better for it.

Rod is survived by his daughter, Melina Conover; son-in-law, Greg Conover; grandsons, Carson and Hudson Wenner; granddaughters Izzy, Avery, and Ellie Conover; brother-in-law, Duane Froeber; Brother and Sister-in-Law, Lanny and Cindy Hayes; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Esther Mineke; Brothers Dale and Jim Mineke; and wife Laurene Mineke.

Melina and family express sincere thanks for the many condolences received and with appreciation suggests memorial gifts be donated to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy. The family invites you to sign their guestbook at [ www.muellerfuneralhomes.com ]( http://www.muellerfuneralhomes.com ).

There will be a celebration of Rod's life later this year when the weather warms up, and all family and friends are invited.