Everyone here at Cowsmo extends our sympathies to the family and friends of Rod.
Rodney “Rod” Bollenbacher, age 55, was born in Decatur, IN, lived a full life, and most recently settled in Cedar Lake, IN. He unexpectedly passed away on June 25, 2023, with his loving family. Rod was the son of Dennis (Judy) Bollenbacher and Sandy (Larry) Wellman. He was preceded in death by his brother, Greg Bollenbacher. Rod is
survived by his parents; his loving wife, Lori Bollenbacher; children: Nick and Madison Bollenbacher; siblings: Scott (Jill) Bollenbacher, Max (Carrie Jo) Bollenbacher, Jared Bollenbacher, Jenny Wellman, Carrie (Andy) Miller, and Bob Wellman.
He attended South Adams High School, where he was a part of the sectionals crown in 1986. After hitting the key basket with 7 seconds left, he was quoted with saying, “We went in as a team and won as a team.” Rod attended the University of St. Francis, where he played basketball. He later obtained his MBA from Keller School of Business. Rod went on to be a professional wrestler where he participated in the WWF, PWI, and others. He was first known as Lightning Rod and later known as Hott Stuff Rod Bell. Rod served Wendy’s for 22 years and was in his most recent role as Franchise Market Consultant. He also enjoyed helping his brother Max maintain a dairy farm and absolutely loved to travel by car.
Rod was a loving husband to Lori Bollenbacher and father to Nick and Madison. Some of Rod’s favorite things to eat were crab legs, steak, Chinese and Mexican food, and butter pecan ice cream. He also enjoyed listening to AC/DC, the stock market, ESPN, and podcasts. Some of his favorite places included his home, the farm, and hiking the mountains. He was a co-owner of nationally-recognized Jersey show cattle.
Rod was someone that went above and beyond and would show you that he was someone you could count on. He enjoyed spending time with family, loved helping others, watching his kids play sports, watching particular NFL players, and overall, he was living the dream. You will be greatly loved and missed, Rod. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Funeral services will take place on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point, IN. Interment at Historic Maplewood, Crown Point, IN.
