Dr. Rod Fred Linzman
Rod Fred Linzman D.O., was born on Dec. 16, 1950 in Chicago, Ill., to Vincent William and Ila Fay (Hawkins) Linzman. He went to be with his Lord and Savior in Waurika, Okla., on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the age of 73.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. May 13, 2024 in Waurika’s First Christian Church, Elm & A Avenues. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home/Oakcrest Cremation Center.
During high school and immediately after graduation, Rod worked at Hugo News and learned the trade of typesetting. In 1969 he joined the US Navy and completed nuclear power school at Vallejo, Calif. He served six years during the Vietnam conflict, three of those aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise. He then pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma majoring in biology and pre-medicine. Rod married Denise Ilene McGruder on Dec. 24, 1977 in Del City, Okla., and she joined him in Tulsa. In 1982, Rod completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Oklahoma State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Tulsa, Okla. He completed his internship at Hillcrest Hospital in Oklahoma City.
In 1981, their first son, Daniel was born. In 1982, Rod and his family moved to Madill, Okla., where he fulfilled a commitment to the National Health Service and opened a private practice of family medicine. He cared for clinic, hospital/ER, and obstetrical patients. In 1984, their second son, Gib was born. Rod served the residents of Marshall County, Okla., for 10 years. In 1992, the family was moved to Fort Smith, Ark., and Rod joined a clinic and hospital practice there. In 1994, he was recruited by Comanche County Hospital to serve in Waurika, Okla. The family moved to Duncan, Okla., to make their home. He established a clinic, and hospital/ER practice in Waurika, serving the community sacrificially until his retirement in 2017. Rod had a strong faith and was active in his church. He volunteered for many years at Duncan’s Compassion Clinic and was a member of Gideon’s International. He cared deeply for and was close to his large extended family. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, and caring for his yard. He was an avid OU sports fan and loved to keep up with sports statistics of his favorite teams and athletes. He was a tireless Bible scholar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Sherry Allen. Rod is survived by his wife of 46 years, Denise; sons: Dan Linzman of Duncan and Dr. Gib Linzman and wife, Andi of Gig Harbor, Wash.; grandchildren: Ainsley, Cole, Beau, Mary Ila Jo and Micah; brother, Gib Linzman and wife, Jan of San Jose, Calif.; and sisters: Linda Adler of Palouse, Wash., and Diane Dodd of Harrison, Ark., and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Online condolences may be made at www. whittfh.com.
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