Rodney Warren (Rod) Sickenger

Rodney Warren (Rod) Sickenger, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at his home on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the age of 88.

A lifelong Albuquerque resident, Rod was born Monday, November 4, 1935 and grew up in the Old Town area. He graduated from Highland High School in 1954 and attended the University of New Mexico before beginning a 35-year career in the communications industry. He also served in the United States Naval Reserves for eight years.

Rod worked for Mountain Bell/U.S. West, beginning as a lineman and steadily advancing through the ranks. He was installing and servicing computer communications equipment and fiber-optic cable when he retired.

Rod met the love of his life, then-Shirley Walters, at a cousin's wedding. They dated for a year and married in 1959, spending more than 64 years as husband and wife. They had three sons; Ken, Eric and Doug. Rod was a steady, loving father and a strong role model.

Upon his retirement, Rod enjoyed traveling and spending time with his five grandchildren. "Grandad" was always happy to help out watching them, driving them to school or attending their various events. Later in life, Rod enjoyed getting to know his three great grandchildren.

Rod was generally quiet but had a sharp wit and great sense of humor. He loved UNM basketball and held season tickets for many years. He was also a Denver Broncos fan and often flew a team flag in his front yard on game days. He was a positive, happy, loving person and will be greatly missed.

Rod was an only child and was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Ruth Sickenger. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Sickenger; sons, Ken Sickenger, Eric Sickenger (and wife Cassandra), and Doug Sickenger (and wife Heather), all of Albuquerque. Rod is also survived by grandchildren, Andrea Sickenger, Josh Gordanier, Emily Sickenger, Ryker Sickenger and Megan Sickenger, all of Albuquerque, along with grandson, Ryan Sickenger (and wife Alexis) and great-grandchildren, Piper, Hannah and Ezra Sickenger of Junction City, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024; 3:00 p.m., at 9151 Elena Drive NE, 87122, Friends are invited to attend!