Rod Bollenbacher

Rod Bollenbacher, 55, unexpectedly passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023, while vacationing in Montana with his family doing what he loved — traveling, hiking and being with his family. He was born Nov. 23, 1967, in Decatur. He was the son of Dennis Bollenbacher and Sandy (Larry) Wellman.
He was a loving husband to Lori and had two children, Nick and Madison. He coached his son in basketball at Hanover Central High School in Cedar Lake. He attended almost every basketball game when Nick played for IU East in Richmond. He loved teaching his daughter how to play baseball, basketball and how to show cows. His time spent with his son and daughter was priceless.
He attended South Adams High School, where he was a part of the sectional crown in 1986. After hitting the key basket with seven seconds left, he was quoted with “we went in as a team and won as a team.” He attended the University of St Francis, where he played basketball and later obtained his MBA from Keller School of Business. He went on to be a professional wrestler where he participated in the WWF, PWI and others. He was first known as Lightning Rod and later known as Hot Stuff Rod Bell. He served Wendy’s for 22 years and most recently as franchise consultant. He spent many weekends helping his brother, Max,  with farming and with the cows. He also enjoyed showing Jersey cows at many fairs with his brother.  
He was someone that went above and beyond helping others. He lived life to the fullest. He will be missed so much by all his family and friends.
He is survived by his parents; his wife; two children; three brothers, Scott (Jill) Bollenbacher; Max (Carrie Jo) Bollenbacher; and Jared Bollenbacher; two stepsisters, Jenny Wellman; and Carrie (Andy) Miller; and stepbrother, Robert Wellman.  
He was preceded in death by his brother, Greg Bollenbacher.
Visitation was Thursday, July 6 from 3-7 at Burns Funeral Home in Crown Point. The funeral service was Friday, July 7 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Officiating was Pastor Jay Carter.