Rodger Walter Ekenberg

Rodger Walter Ekenberg, 64, of Middletown, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. He died at Washington Hospital Center following a brave battle to overcome complications from open-heart surgery. He passed away with his loving wife, two children and their spouses by his side. Rodger was the beloved husband of Susan Kay Ekenberg, with whom he just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. He was also a proud father to Sheri Ekenberg Little and Jason Ekenberg and grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren, Hannah, Ryan and Benjamin Little and Jillian Ekenberg, who were his absolute pride and joy. Rodger was also a loved and respected father-in-law to Bryan Little and Lisa Blickenstaff Ekenberg. Born May 16, 1946, in Lombard, Ill., to Herbert Clarence Ekenberg and June Anna Rentzsch Ekenberg, Rodger grew up with his younger brother and sister in Illinois. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Illinois as an electrical engineer. After working at Hewlett Packard for many years in Illinois, Rodger, his wife and two children moved to Middletown in 1980. Rodger eventually started his own court reporting/transcription company, serving the White House during the Carter and Reagan administrations. From there, Rodger went on to work in various top-level sales and management positions. At the time of his passing, Rodger was the president of his own company, Engineering Resource and Information Services (ERIC). Rodger attended New Life Foursquare Church in Frederick for many years. He then became a founding member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Frederick, where he served as a trustee since its inception more than 18 years ago. There, he has been a friend, father, counselor and encourager to countless people over the years. Rodger was a strong and honorable man who exuded the love and peace of Christ. It is said by all who knew him -- friends, family and business associates alike -- that he had a very positive attitude and always had a way of making you feel good about yourself and hopeful about the future. His grandchildren called him "the sunshine" because he would light up the room with his joy. He had seemingly endless patience and perseverance and overcame many obstacles during his lifetime. He has run his race well. In addition to his wife, children and their spouses, and grandchildren, Rodger is remembered and loved by his brother, Thomas Ekenberg; his sister, Jill Ekenberg Kohn; their spouses and children, and many cousins and second cousins throughout the country. Rodger's family will receive visitors from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at Keeney-Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 23, at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 66 Waverley Drive, Frederick. Interment will follow in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rodger Ekenberg Memorial fund at Cornerstone Fellowship Church, 66 Waverley Drive, Suite 630, Frederick, MD 21702