Rodney Joseph Ilg

Rodney "Rod" Joseph Ilg was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose greatest gift was the way he loved people. Rod lived life wholeheartedly, bringing kindness, laughter, generosity, and unwavering support to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Born on October 19, 1960, in Portland, Oregon, Rod was known for his big heart, caring spirit, and the meaningful connections he built. After a courageous battle with heart failure, Rod passed away on June 24, 2026, at age 65.

Rod's legacy is measured not only by the years he lived but also by the countless lives he touched. He reminded everyone around him to love generously, cherish each moment, and never miss an opportunity to hug the people who matter most. Whether he was making someone laugh with one of his signature quick-witted remarks, cheering from the sidelines, or gathering family and friends together, Rod had a remarkable way of making every moment meaningful. He lived with a full heart and inspired everyone around him to do the same.

A lifelong athlete, Rod loved sports and staying active. He played baseball in college, owned and operated a bike shop, taught spinning classes, competed in softball for many years, and enjoyed running races, cycling events, and triathlons. Just as much as he loved competing himself, Rod found great joy in coaching, encouraging, and inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle. Whether traveling with family, exploring the outdoors, riding his bike, or cheering on his favorite teams, Rod found joy in every adventure and loved sharing those experiences with others.

Rod was known for his infectious laugh, playful spirit, and perfectly timed one-liners. His sense of humor could brighten any room, but it was his caring heart and selfless nature that truly defined him. He spent 12 years serving students at Cordero in the Tigard-Tualatin School District, where he built meaningful relationships and encouraged young people to recognize their strengths and potential. Rod believed in people before they believed in themselves, giving freely of his time, compassion, and encouragement, and making a lasting difference in the lives of countless students and families.

More than any accomplishment or adventure, Rod treasured the people in his life. He loved bringing family and friends together and creating traditions everyone looked forward to, from cherished Christmas celebrations to annual summer adventures and countless gatherings in between. He was happiest when surrounded by those he loved, whether attending his children's sporting events and concerts or racing cars down a homemade ramp with his beloved grandson, Josiah. Rod had a gift for making every person feel important, and every gathering felt like a celebration.

In addition to his parents, Rod was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy, and his sister, Christi Joe. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Sheri; his children, Drew Ilg and Megan Hansen (Branden); his treasured grandson, Josiah Hansen; his brother, Mike; his beloved golden, Maisie; and countless relatives, friends, teammates, coworkers, neighbors, and former students whose lives are richer because they knew him.

Rod would want his legacy to live on in the way we care for one another. So hug your loved ones a little tighter, cheer someone on, lend a helping hand, create lasting memories, and above all, love big, just as Rod did every single day.

We wanted to let you know that Rod's Celebration of Life and Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 16, 20026, at 1:00 p.m., at St John Fisher Catholic Church.

St John Fisher Church
4567 SW Nevada St.
Portland, OR 97219

Link for LiveStream Memorial (7/16/2026):Livestream Link

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CYO Sports, Golden Bond Rescue (where we found our sweet Maisie and enjoy volunteering), or to a charity that is meaningful to you. We know Rod would be smiling knowing that his memory is helping others and making a difference.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rodney Joseph Ilg, please visit our floral store.