Roderick "Rod" Andreu Mickler's Obituary
Roderick “Rod” Andreu Mickler passed peacefully into Heaven in the early morning hours of Friday, January 6, 2023. He was born in the summer of 1956 in St. Augustine, Florida on June 9th to the joy of his parents, Alvin Francis Mickler and Gertrude Elizabeth Brown Mickler.
He is survived by the love of his life, his adoring wife Gail Mickler of 45 years and the legacy he leaves in the lives of his fine sons, Jeff Mickler (Alex) and Kurt Mickler (Megan). Rod loved every moment he spent with his grandchildren Avery, Sophie, Caden and Reid. As their beloved Papa, he was the King of Hide and Seek and the mastermind of surprise trips to Dunkin Donuts. He leaves behind his dearly loved 98 year old mother Gertrude Elizabeth Mickler. He had a strong and deep bond of friendship with his brother Lou Mickler (Wendy). He was a great friend and brother in law to Ronnie Hedstrom (Cindy) and Randy Hedstrom (MaryBeth). Rod will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful lifelong friends. Each one was special to him and they knew it because he sincerely cared for them with his gentle fun spirit.
Rod was preceded in death by his father Alvin Francis “Coco” Mickler and his sister Gertrude “Mary” Nagy (John).
A native of St. Augustine, Rod lived in Mandeville, Louisiana for the past 20 years. Rod graduated from St. Joseph High School in St. Augustine in 1974. He attended St. Johns River Junior College in Palatka, Florida where he met Gail. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1978 in Radio TV Communication at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. The majority of his professional career was in regional sports television, including SportsChannel Florida, later launching Cox Sports Television in New Orleans in 2002 where he finished his career. Rod was a devoted member of First Baptist of Covington where he served as an usher with a million dollar smile and lovingly taught Bible study to his dear friends touching the lives of each person.
Rod was a lifelong avid sports fan, playing football, baseball, basketball and tennis in high school. Rod played on the tennis team in college, as well as competed on the speech and debate team while working summers and weekends as the announcer of the dolphin show at Marineland of Florida. Sports were a big part of both his family and career. Everything was right in the world when there was a game on. Rod coached both boys through their Little League baseball careers. Rod loved golfing with his sons and friends and also enjoyed tennis with his Saturday morning buddies.
Rod was a humble man of great character, irreplaceable and he will be deeply missed. Rod will forever remain in the cherished memories of his beloved family and dear friends until they meet him again.
The Mickler family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the outstanding care provided by Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers kindly consider, memorial contributions in memory of Rod Mickler made to The Samaritan Center Food Bank. Donations may be mailed to 402 Girod Street, Mandeville, LA 70448.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home locally owned and operated, (985) 892-9222 has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
The Mickler family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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