Rodney "Rod" Lee Milke

Rodney Lee “Rod” Milke, 60, Hays, Kansas, died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, after a year-long courageous battle with brain cancer, at Hays Medical Center.

He was born Nov 4, 1958, in Plainville to Clarence C. and Vera Rose (Jacobs) Milke. He graduated from Plainville High School and moved to Casper Wyo., to attend trade school.

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 married Lori Christianson on Nov. 7, 1981, in Lusk, Wyo. They celebrated nearly 38 years of marriage. 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, they 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, enjoyed his family and was proud of each of them.

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

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

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church; burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Thursday, both at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine, Hays, KS 67601.

A vigil will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a combined third and fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 6:30 p.m., both at the funeral home. The fourth degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to The Wonder Woman League for “Matthew’s Gift” bags.

Condolences can be sent at www.haysmemorial.com.

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