In Memory of Dorothy Mae Arning Rode

Dorothy Mae Arning Rode, 96, of Boerne, Texas, died on March 30. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and faithful disciple.

Dorothy was born on October 27, 1925 in Taylor, Texas, to her parents Otto and Emma Arning. She was baptized into the Christian faith on November 22, 1925 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Taylor, Texas. She graduated from Taylor High School in 1943. She went on to graduate from Austin Business College and from 1944-48 was employed first as a secretary in the Travis County District Attorney’s office and later in the Adjutant General’s Office at the Texas State Capitol.

On April 26, 1948 she married Arthur E. Rode, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Taylor, Texas. Art and Dorothy were married 63 years. Dorothy was an instrumental part of Art’s ministry as pastor and bishop as together they served congregations in San Antonio, Victoria, Austin and Alamo Heights.

Dorothy had a wicked good sense of humor wrapped with kindness and an eagle eye perception of people with all their talents and flaws. She was a kind and joyful person and excellent hostess.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Emma Arning, her brother, Lt. Eugene Arning, and her husband, Arthur Rode.

Of the many things Dorothy valued, family and her faith were her greatest joys. She is survived by her children, Steve Rode and wife, Bitsy Pratt, of Boerne, Texas; and Chris Rode Borchardt and husband, Craig, of Bryan, Texas; her grandchildren, Katie Rode Evans, and husband, Clarke of Comfort, Texas; Anna Freemyer and husband, Jeff of Dripping Springs, Texas; and Emilie Borchardt and Josh Borchardt, both of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by four great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

A Funeral service for Dorothy will be held, Saturday, April 9th 1:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church of Alamo Heights. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be shared with Texas Lutheran University’s Dr. Arthur E. Rode or O.W. and Emma Arning endowments, 1000 West Court, Seguin, TX 78155, Bethany Lutheran Church, 110 West Austin St. Fredericksburg, TX 78624 or a charity of your choice. Interment will be in the Rode Columbarium.

We remember Dorothy Rode's family in our prayers and trust that the promise of the Resurrection is true and sure.
 
In Christ,

Bishop Sue Briner