Rodney T. (Rod) Minkin passed away surrounded by his family on Jan. 16 at Menorah Medical Center, where he was born and later served as chairman of its board.
Rod was a pillar of the community and a loving father and grandfather. His kindness knew no bounds. His warmth and generosity leave a lasting impact on all who knew him. Rod had a unique gift for making each person he met feel special and valued.
Rod was born in 1935 at Menorah Medical Center, the only child of Carl and Sylvia Minkin. In 1940, his family moved to Wichita, Kansas. His father died in 1952 when Rod was only 16 years old. He cherished his years in Wichita and was very active in several high school activities. Rod also enjoyed his many years in the Boy Scouts and was a very proud Eagle Scout.
After graduating from high school in 1953, Rod moved to New York City, where he attended New York University. He returned to Wichita in 1955 and graduated from Wichita State University. He then relocated to Kansas City in 1957, where he spent his remaining years.
Throughout his life, Rod was a proud Navy veteran. He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve at age 17 and served eight years. Later in life, he joined MO-KAN Post 605 of the Jewish War Veterans.
Rod met the love of his life, Gerre Lipoff, in 1956. They quickly fell deeply in love and spent 66 wonderful years together. They raised their three daughters, Carole, Lisa and Debbie, in a loving home with their dog, Ginger.
In 1960, Rod joined the field of public accounting and subsequently became a CPA and partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP. After 13 years in the industry, Rod decided to make a career change and left public accounting. He began his career in commercial real estate with Roger L. Cohen & Co., eventually leaving the firm to fulfill his dream of owning his own company, founding Minkin Real Estate Company in 1978.
Rod was deeply involved in the leadership of several organizations, spanning all aspects of his life, both personal and professional. He was president of the Jewish Heritage Foundation of Greater Kansas City, chairman of the Board of Directors of Menorah Medical Center and chairman of the Board of Directors of Village Shalom.
Rod served in leadership positions as a member of the boards of directors of numerous organizations, including Congregation Beth Shalom; Health Midwest; Jewish Community Archives of Greater Kansas City; Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City; Jewish Community Relations Bureau – American Jewish Committee; Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City; Menorah Medical Center Foundation; Overland Park Regional Medical Center; and Vaad Hakashrut of Greater Kansas City.
He loved attending lunch every Friday with his fellow members of the ROMEOs.
Rod is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Gerre; their daughters and their families, Carole (Jeff (z”l)) Rosen, Lisa (Steve) Ruben and Debbie Minkin; and seven grandchildren, Daniel (Deanna) Rosen and Samuel Rosen, Jonathan Ruben, Ashley Ruben and Julia Ruben, and Katie Goldstein and Jessie Goldstein. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judy and Andy Hilvitz, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rod lived a meaningful and full life, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom or Village Shalom.
Funeral services were held on Jan. 18 at Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
