Rodney J. "Rod" Lause died at home on February 17, 2026. He was born on June 18, 1955. He was the beloved husband of Cecilia (nee Gerard) for 43 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Rita (Greminger) Lause, brother Dwayne Lause and parents-in-law Gene and Norma Jean Gerard. He is survived by siblings Gilbert (Sue) Lause, LeeLonie (Donnie) Basler and Father Richard Lause, CM. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Kathleen (Kathy) Stock, Paula (Dan) Stoverink, Beth (Dave) Gibson, Maria (Roger) Batten, brothers-in-law Ted Gerard and John (Connie) Gerard. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was also beloved godfather to Ted Basler, Elliot Batten, Ryan Sehnert, Wil, Lana, Meredith, Jack and Addie Gerard.

He was a proud graduate from Valle Catholic High School and Southeast Missouri State University with degrees in business (BS) and psychology (BA). He was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. He was a member of Ste. Genevieve Knights of Columbus Council 1037. He spent his career in auto finance and retired from State Farm Bank in 2018.

He was a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues, holding season tickets to both for decades. Rod loved sports with the enthusiasm of a true lifer and could summon obscure sports statistics from seasons long past with uncanny precision delivering them with his dry wit! Rod also loved to travel with Cecilia, and together they collected adventures the way he collected box scores. Favorite journeys included Hawaii, Italy, Greece, an epic journey to Alaska with the Oberle's and many hours on the beach in Destin.

Visitation will be Friday, February 20, 2026 4 PM-8 PM at Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur 63141. Funeral Mass Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10 AM, at St. Monica's Catholic Church 12136 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur 63141.  Interment will be at Valle Spring Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve, MO following the Mass.  Donations to Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation www.mochf.org or Masses preferred.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home
www.osfuneralhomes.com