Rodney Luchies

Rodney Jay Luchies, age 58, of Augusta, MI went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was born on November 30, 1958, in Grand Rapids, MI, the son of Robert and Winifred (DeGroot) Luchies. On April 3, 1981, Rod was united in marriage to Sandra J. VanDalen. For the past 7 years, he was employed as a chef by Brookdale (formerly Alterra) Assisted Living in Portage. Rod was an active member of Westwood Christian Reformed Church. He enjoyed volunteering as the chef for service projects and fund raisers which helped others. Rod loved gardening and had a unique collection of iris and day lilies. He also loved cooking and entertaining his family and friends. Surviving are his wife of 35 years: Sandie Luchies; two sons: Ryan Luchies and Darin (Meghan) Luchies; two grandchildren: Gabriel and Margaret Luchies; father: Robert Luchies; mother-in-law: Barb VanDalen; six siblings: Rose (Jim) Lindermulder, Russ (Betty) Luchies, Deb (Bill) Bytwork, Laurie (Chuck) Kos, Dennis (Amy) VanDalen and Kim (Jody) Holling; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death were his mother: Winifred Luchies and father-in-law: Henry VanDalen. Friends may visit with Rod's family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday, Jan. 27, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. A service to celebrate Rod's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, 620 Northampton Road, with Pastor Dale Slings and Pastor Mike Koetje officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to Westwood Christian Reformed Church or University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.