Roderick "Rod" M. Backey, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the age of 76 years.

Rod was born on August 16, 1937 in Sheboygan to Roderick, Sr. and Carol (nee Cook) Backey. He was a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1955. Rod went on to attend both Marquette University and Milwaukee School of Engineering. Rod dedicated many years as an employee at John Deere working as a design engineer.

Rod loved to travel with family and friends. He showed his family most of the United States through their summer vacation travels. He was also an accomplished scuba diver and an avid bicyclist. Rod was a pilot and enjoyed his flying time in his own aircraft. Rod also had a passion for museums, and he dedicated many hours as a docent at the West Bend Museum.

Rod is survived by his children Lenny of Milwaukee, Julie (Jeff) Leitheiser of Louisville, CO, Tammy (Dave) Mann of State College, PA, Lee (Christine) of Wautoma, and Laurel (Patrick) Fehring of West Bend; grandchildren Heath, Jared, Grant, Tricia, Clark, Ryan, Kacy, Thomas, Matthew, Peter, Ben, Aaron, Alex, and Josephine; and great-grandchildren Cayden and Avonlea. He is further survived by his brother Phillip Backey of Memphis, TN, special friend Mary Ann Mermuys of Wood Dale, IL, and a niece, two nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Rod is preceded in death by his son Scot David Backey and parents Roderick, Sr. and Carol.

A Funeral Service for Rod will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel, 1420 W. Paradise Dr. in West Bend with Pastor Troy Loether presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until 12:45 PM on Saturday. Interment will follow at Washington County Memorial Park.

The family would like to express a special Thank You to the entire staff at the Lawlis Hospice at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital- Ozaukee Campus especially, Laura, Linda, Gina, and all of the volunteers.