Roderic John Rehfuss

Roderic "Rod" John Rehfuss, 64, of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born May 26, 1962, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the eldest of four children born to the late John and Ann Rehfuss. To most, he was Rod. To his family, he was Superman. The name fit him in more ways than one. Rod seemed capable of doing just about anything. He could cook, sew, repair plumbing and electrical systems, build and restore cars, remodel homes, landscape yards, and create beautiful things with his hands. But what made him Superman to his family was not simply what he could do - it was what he was willing to do for others. Rod was extraordinarily generous with his time, his talents, and himself. If somebody needed help, a job, a place to stay, or simply someone willing to show up, Rod was there. He was the kind of man who would give someone the shirt off his back without expecting anything in return. He was not always a man of many words or outward emotion, but those who knew him well understood how deeply he loved and cared, which, more often than not, he showed through his actions. His generosity extended well beyond his immediate family. While living in Indiana, Rod and Kim learned that a boy she had previously taught needed a stable place to stay. Rod insisted that they open their home to him until his situation improved. What began as helping someone through a difficult period became eight months as part of their family. Rod brought everyone together around one of the things he loved most - making things with his hands. He helped the kids create wooden dragons, snakes, and other figures, turning an act of kindness into the kind of shared memory that defined so much of his life. Rod spent many years in retail management with Target and Media Play before the loss of his mother prompted him to make a major career change. He started his own home repair, remodeling, and construction business, which allowed him to make a living doing what he truly loved - building dreams for others. For the next 26 years, Rod helped people turn their houses into homes. His work was deeply personal to him. Many of his clients became close friends, and the relationships he built extended far beyond the completion of a project. He would travel across the country to help longtime clients and friends with their homes. For Rod, helping someone was part of the job. Rod had a natural eye for art and design, with a remarkable ability to turn an idea into something he could build with his own hands. He was an artist, a gift he passed on to his daughter, Kortney, and a craftsman, a talent he passed on to his son, Randy. He took pride in knowing how things worked, figuring out how to make them better, and teaching those skills to the people he loved. Rod was happiest near the water, with his toes in the sand. Some of his happiest memories began on Cape Cod, where he spent summers with his family, sailing, fishing, and enjoying the ocean. Years later, he continued that tradition by bringing his own children and granddaughter there, spending summers alongside his entire family. Cape Cod was a place where generations of his family could come together and create new memories in a place filled with old ones. Water was also a big part of family life closer to home. When his children were growing up, Rod loved taking them boating on the lake, teaching them to sail, water ski, pulling them behind the boat on tubes, and jet skiing together. Whether on a beach at the ocean or on a lake, Rod was happiest when he could share an experience with the people he loved. Rod's legacy of generosity and showing up for others is reflected in a family that loved him deeply and in countless people whose lives and homes bear the mark of his kindness. Most importantly, he showed them that a life well lived is one spent helping others and creating experiences with the people you love. Rod is survived by his wife, Kimberly; his son, Randy, and his fiancée, Marissa Vitale; his daughter, Kortney Gibson, and her husband, Chad; his granddaughter, Karley Gibson; his sister, Carey "Dolly" Russell, and her husband, Kevin; his brother, Jeff; his brother, Stu, and his wife, Nicole; as well as his nieces, nephews, and their families. A celebration of Rod's life is being planned for Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jetton Waterfront Event Space, Cornelius, NC. Attire is casual but neat. We want everyone to feel comfortable as we gather to celebrate Rod's life. For those wishing to honor Rod's memory, the family invites donations to Habitat for Humanity, an organization whose mission reflects his lifelong love of building, helping others, and turning houses into homes. Donations may be made in his honor at Habitat for Humanity. Friends, family, and former clients are invited to share photographs of Rod, along with photos of homes, projects, or other work he created for them. These memories will help us celebrate the many ways Rod touched the lives of those around him. Share photos and memories here.

Roderic John Rehfuss

May 26, 1962 - August 14, 2026