Rodney P. Chevrette

Rodney Peter Chevrette passed on November 7, 2020, at home. A Celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, with Pastor Steve Hartten officiating. Rodney was born on January 4, 1932 to Edward and Olga (Juhola) Chevrette in Negaunee, MI. He married Evelyn Anttila on April 8, 1950 in Ishpeming, MI. A devoted husband, he was attentive and uplifting throughout the 70 years he enjoyed with his wife. Prior to retiring at 58 from his job at Hy Firehammer, he was a Maintenance Supervisor at Michigan Standard Alloys for 8 years. One of his early jobs was working as a long-haul truck driver. It was good work, but over time, Rodney decided that being present with his family was more important. So, he left his job as a trucker and began his work in maintenance to be closer to his family. Rodney was known for his wit, humor, and devotion to his family. He was especially proud of his three children and grandchildren. He had a love of gardening, enchanted by all things green, and was always seen with a pair of pruners in hand. This passion for greenery brought him to winter in West Palm Beach, Florida, for 30 years. Rodney was able to skillfully repair anything in or around the house, whether it was plumbing, electrical, or under the hood of a car. Rodney is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Alan (Kathy) Chevrette of St. Joseph and Susan Chevrette of West Palm Beach, FL; Daughter-in-Law, Sherry Chevrette of Coloma; grandchildren, Cindy (Jonathan) Koch of Benton Harbor, Lisa Wojcik of Peoria, AZ, Scott Howell of Benton Harbor and Aaron (Terah) Howell of Coloma; and brother, Thomas Chevrette of Negaunee, MI. Rodney was preceded in death by his oldest son James Chevrette and grandson James Chevrette, Jr. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mayo Clinic - Pulmonary Center, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905. Those wishing to share a memory of Rodney online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com