Gifts & Memorial Donations

Ristau, Rodney “Kappy” 50, passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2016, surrounded by his wife and loving family. Rodney was born in Cape Canaveral, Florida on February 3, 1966 and has spent his entire life loving the water. He is survived by the love of his life Elizabeth, his loving family, fur babies Davis & Swat, and a host of amazing friends. A Celebration of Kappy’s life will be held on Saturday, September 17 from 5:00-8:00 with the service starting at 6:00.

Kappy had an incredible love for dogs and specifically his Weimaraner fur babies, Gecko, Davis and Swat. Please consider making a donation to either Lifeline Dog Rescue or the Suncoast Animal League in his memory.

Please wear your favorite fishing shirt! No suit, no tie, and flip flops are encouraged!

Service

Saturday, September 17, 2016
6:00 PM

Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home - Directions
5228 Trouble Creek Road
New Port Richey, FL 34652
727-845-1957

Visitation

Saturday, September 17, 2016
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home - Directions
5228 Trouble Creek Road
New Port Richey, FL 34652
727-845-1957

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Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory

September 12, 2016

Joyce Alpine says:

I can remember Rodney coming through the drive in window with Davis....always made me smile . Rodney was a great guy and he and Liz together as a couple was amazing......RIP Rodney
September 12, 2016

Bob Kostrzewa says:

Rodney.... was one of the greatest friends, finest gentlemen, I have ever met in my life. I have little doubt that he will be missed bye everyone and anyone he has ever known. My sincere sorrow to anyone and everyone who had never met Rodney !
September 12, 2016

Marty & Jane Hart says:

Our memory of Rodney's kindness was when he adopted Ryan's dog.
September 12, 2016

Marty & Jane Hart says:

Lid we are so sorry for your loss
September 12, 2016

Brian Mowatt says:

Great loss of a great person. Condolences to the family
September 12, 2016

Jason and Karen Quarles Hassell says:

Family isn't only about bloodlines, its about people that enter your life that just feel like they belonged together all along. Rodney was more than a friend... he was a brother to me and my husband, a son to my mom and dad, He was our family. A great man who always laughed at you or with you but made you find your lightness and reminded you its important to do what you love and be yourself doing it. We are so thankful we still have our sister Liz and will always cherish our many memories of lovable, laughable, caring, crazy, big-hearted, giving,loving ....Rodney
September 12, 2016

Tom Foley says:

I am so sorry to hear of Rodney's passing . I have known about him for years and only recently met him personally and shared some time with him at the shop . He struck me as a genuine man and we talked and shared some conversations about things relating to boats , fishing and off road racing .I'm so glad I got to know him if only for a short time . My sincere condolences to his Wife and family during this tough time . Rest in peace Rodney .
September 13, 2016

Pat Heiser Burns says:

Rodney you were always there if we needed you. No more pain. We will miss you terribly. Liz...hugs, we are family.
September 13, 2016

Athena Stimson Port Tarpon Marina says:

Capt Rodney always had a smile for everyone, and we can still see him wearing his hat backwards. Capt Rodney you touched so many people's lives and will be missed by EVERYONE. Rest in Peace. Our prayers for his family.
September 14, 2016

Jessica Roush lit a candle:
September 14, 2016

Gail Gentzhorn says:

Lizzie, My heart is so full of sadness for you. I am so happy Rodney had you in his life. His Mom, Bonnie was one of my dearest friends, so I got to watch him grow up. I know he is in Heaven with her and no longer in pain. Bonnie loved you so much and was so happy you were in his life to take care of her "little boy".
September 15, 2016

Elizabeth Ristau says:

Rodney, I still can not believe when I am reading this obituary that it is for you, my husband. My heart is breaking . I miss you so much. I know you are at peace and not in anymore pain and suffering and for that, I am ok. I know the last month was very tough on you but you sure gave it a fight. I miss you terribly but I know I'll see you again. I love you honey, rest in peace ❤
September 17, 2016

Big dan says:

Captain wish you were here never got a chance to tell you great guy to be around a good friend loved racing always helping on the raceway then one day I decided to take a break from racing and he came up to me and can I borrow the car I would like to race and ask me if I would help him I thought what the heck we got the car running and to the track is said to myself this going to interesting but I could not believe my eyes capt.was natural health was little green but I would tell don't do that again and he would do it better than I ask him but sometimes he would mess up and he would come back from a run and make a mistake and would get out of car and say I know not to do that again and would say good answer and he just got better and better he was a great race car driver as good as they come even though he didn't win the championship that year he will always be a champion in my eyes I am going to miss you friend.
September 23, 2016

Don says:

The world is less of a place. My heart aches for Liz and the family and friends who knew him best.

Rodney D. Ristau