Rod Waterstrat
2 SEP 1929 - 20 FEB 2001
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Rod and Elaine Waterstrat
2000
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Elaine and Rod Waterstrat - Patsy and Clancy DeLong
1986
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Elaine and Rod Waterstrat
1955
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B - 2
1st Row: Feagin - Shimunek - Glidden - McKelvey - Deardorff - Gersitz
2nd Row: McGuire - Straus - Parker - Stevens
3rd Row: Waterstrat - Calley - Cardillo - Rod Davis
4th Row: Carpenter - Trentman - Poirier - Frear
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I had the good fortune to maintain communication with Rod in the years since June 1955. And when possible - I visited he and Elaine at their home. Rod - from the cadet days until just a few weeks back - was always a source of both sage observations - advice - and subtle humor. I will miss him. Robert Deardorff February 23 - 2001 Rod was a good and steady friend throughout our WP days. I hadn't seen him since 7 Jun '55 until the Vail mini - where he apologized for knocking me cold in plebe boxing! Between boxing and wrestling - we were indeed close! I know he's safe in the arms of the God and Savior whom he loved but we're all saddened that he's no longer with us. Thanks - Rod - for being a friend -- rest in that "peace of the Lord - which passes all our human understanding." Walt McC Walt McCrillis February 23 - 2001 Rod - son of Walter and Lillian Waterstrat - was born September 2 - 1929 - in Tonawanda - New York. He graduated from Tonawanda High School and attended the University of Buffalo. After spending four years in the National Guard - he earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He received a commission and graduated from West Point on June 7 - 1955. He married Elaine Westbrook on the same day. His assignments took him to Fort Bliss - Texas; Fort Benning - Georgia; Fort Niagara - New York; Fort Sill - Oklahoma; Aberdeen - Maryland; Detroit Michigan; Leavenworth - Kansas - Fort Carson - Colorado and seven years in Germany. He fought for his country in Vietnam. Rodney received an MBA at Arizona State University in 1965. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel at Fort Carson in 1980. Rod and Elaine moved to Arizona in 1980 and to Fountain Hills in 1984. Rod - a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church - loved God - traditional church music and Bible study. As a member of The Club - he played regularly on two golf teams and headed a cooking team. He had a green thumb and spent hours weekly working around his yard. He was a loving husband and father and a very proud grandpa. He died February 20 - 2001 in Scottsdale AZ. Rod is survived by his wife Elaine; daughters Katie Beegle of DeSoto - Texas; Susan Saliba of Colorado Springs - Colorado; son Steven of Bonney Lake - Washington; brother Lynn of Sanborn - New York; and 11 grandchildren-Susan - Steven - James - Kay - Ginny - Walter - Lilly and Beverly Beegle - Joseph andJacob Saliba - and one great grandchild - Shane Roesch. Rod truly loved God - his wife and family - his friends - and his country. Well Done Rod - Rest in Peace Rod's Family Memorial Service Obituary February 23 - 2001 The passing of Rod is a great loss to those of us in the Class who knew him well and respected and will always value his friendship. He was one of the most available and interesting people I met while at USMA; I will honor him and miss him always. Rest well - old friend; Well done. Charles W. Roades February 23 - 2001 Memories: Ft Bliss,Ft Benning,Ft Niagara,Ft Sill - Germany-- a long time together as young officers and newlyweds. Later years with Katie in El Paso and Charron in Phoenix - more opportunities to enjoy each others'company. Well done - good friend! Be at peace! Save a place for us! Paul Parks February 24 - 2001 Rod and I were company mates during our four year stay at West Point. During this time Rod was always there to assist those of us having trouble with academics or the system. Elaine and Inez were weekend boarders at Mrs Grimm's in Highland Falls during this time. They both were continuing a long courtship that had begun prior to the West Point years. After our four years at West Point both couples were married on graduation day and without prior planning spent the first night of our honeymoons in the same motel in Orange County. We never served together but whenever the opportunity presented itself we looked forward to enjoying the time together. Inez and I were deeply saddened by the news of Rod's passing - and we have spent the last few days sharing the grief that we know is Elaine's and the family. We pray that the living will endure this great loss of a husband - a father - grandfather and friend. We pray that Rod will find his final resting place in the arms of the God he so loved. Rest in peace my friend for you deserve no less. Rich Cardillo February 24 - 2001 I am saddened to read of Rod's death. As I recall - Rod worshipped with me at the afternoon Lutheran service at West Point. The service was led by a chaplain from Bronxville. He was a faithful Christian and is now with the Lord. May our Living Lord be the comfort of all the family. Sincerely in Christ, Harold Hoeferkamp Class of 1955 February 24 - 2001 Dear Elaine: I just read your message about Rod's passing away in such a sudden way. I can imagine how much that experience must have shocked you. However I'm also sure that all the love that has surrounded you ever since must have given you an idea of how much God cares for Rod and for you - and how close He is to both of you especially in this such a painful event. Everyday when I say mass you can be sure that I'll keep both of you in my prayers so that through faith you feel especially united to him. May He bless you always. Yours sincerely, Oscar. Father Oscar February 25 - 2001 |
USMA 1955 Roster
USMA 1955 Pictures