George “Rod” Wilharm

George Rodney Wilharm passed away on Fathers Day June 18, 2023. Born January 23rd 1931 to George and Gladys Wilharm. He was the oldest of four children, two brothers; Chuck and Tom and a sister Margie. Sharing the same name as his father, he became known as Rodney or Rod for short.

Rod grew up in South Minneapolis on 5320 Hampshire Dr. across the street from Pearl Park and up the road from Diamond Lake. He graduated in 1949 from Minneapolis Washburn High School. While in High School he worked at a gas station and enjoyed working on cars. His first car was a Ford Model T that he purchased for $40 dollars.
After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Oak Harbor in Washington state. He was a Flight Crew Machinist on the P2V which was a maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft. They patrolled the Pacific for submarines during the Korean War. He also participated in Operation Castle, which was the testing of the first Hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Proving Grounds. He never saw combat and never even set foot on a ship. While in the Navy he married his High School sweetheart and started a family.
They eventually moved back to Minnesota and settled in Bloomington to begin the next chapter in their life. He went to work for IBM as a customer service engineer servicing main frame computers. He eventually became a regional field manager. He spent 30 years getting up every morning and putting on a white shirt, a blue suit and tie. He retired at the age of 56. To say that IBM had an impact on his life is an understatement. He was a company man and loved everything about working for IBM.

Mom and Dad raised 5 children, Michael, Susan, Julie, John and Kristi. He took pride in providing for his family and was proud of every one of them. He was actively involved in the Cub Scouts, Bloomington Athletic Association and various Booster Clubs. One of his passions was watching and following the Vikings. He was a long time season ticket holder and he never missed a game rain or shine, snow or cold. One of his only regrets was not seeing the Vikings win a Super Bowl. His other passion was his grandkids and great-grandkids. He had 10 grand children, 9 girls and 1 boy. He also had 5 great-grandchildren, 2 boys and 3 girls. He loved spending time with them and got great joy out of their accomplishments and hearing their stories.

Later in life he enjoyed his summers at Island Lake in Spooner, WI and at his winter home on Siesta Key, FL where he had many friends. Our father was not a Teacher nor was he a Scholar but he taught us everything we needed to know by the way he lived his life. He was hard working, honest and humble. His integrity never wavered.

Rod was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Joan; his son Michael; granddaughter, Nicole and his brothers, Chuck and Tom.
Survived by children, Susan (Peter) Bull, Julie (David) Kirsebom, John (Julie), Kristi (Jeff) Wisdom; grandchildren, Gina Bull, Lucy Bull, Melissa Kirsebom, Chad (Heather) Kirsebom, Katie (Will) Bernhjelm, Sara Wilharm, Lindsey Wilharm, McKenzie Wisdom, Hannah Wisdom, Lily Wisdom; great-grandchildren, Leo, Zyla, Wes, Hadley, Bristol; and sister, Margie (Mike) Lindley.

In the end Rod had a wonderful and fulfilling life of 92 years. He left this earth as he wished, in his own house surrounded by his family.

God Speed Dad. We Love you.