Roderick “Rod” Kerr, age 87, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. He was born on March 8, 1938, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, to Rev. George and Grace Kerr. The family, including Rod’s brothers Don and Joe and sister Kay, moved to Washington, Iowa, and Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania before Rod left home for college.

Rod met Carole Kelso at Muskingum College in Ohio, and they married in 1961. Together, they raised three children: Diana, Robert, and John. After earning his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Wisconsin, Rod’s career took the family to Indiana, Wisconsin, and California, where he worked at Purdue University, National Electrostatics Corporation, and Lawrence Livermore Labs.

After Carole’s passing in 1979, Rod found love again with Barbara Fox, marrying in 1980 and welcoming her daughters, Inger and Stacie, as part of the family. Rod and Barb shared a passion for travel, exploring Alaska, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Europe—often with family and friends by their side.

Rod was happiest with a project in hand—whether woodworking, repairing cars, or improving anything that needed a little attention. After moving to Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego, he became an integral part of the community, setting up the Man Cave, managing the woodshop, and lending his skills wherever needed.

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, George and Grace; his brother Donald; his wives Carole and Barbara; and his children Diana and John. He leaves behind his son Robert (Lorraine), daughters Stacie (Ken) and Inger (Steve), and six grandchildren: Anna, Fox, Kyle, Katie, Emma, and Keaton.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice.