"Much love from all of us ....What a special teacher Rod was for all of our children...these Christmas days will surely be hard...we pray the Lord's love to surround you..love to you..Duane and Shirley Agrimson family"
In loving memory of
Rod Anderson
April 8, 1968 - November 25, 2018
RUSHFORD, MN - Rodney " Rod" D. Anderson, 50, of Rushford, MN passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at his home.
Rod was born on April 8, 1968, in Duluth, MN to Lyle and Elaine (Jacobson) Anderson. He was raised in South Rushford and was a 1986 graduate of Rushford High School, where he participated in football, wrestling and baseball. He was united in marriage with Kim Bunke on December 12, 1987. Rod received his Bachelors Degree in education from Mankato State University and his Masters Degree from Winona State University. Rod taught in Schofield, WI one year and later at Kasson - Mantorville High School for five years before moving back home to teach math at Rushford - Peterson in 1998.
Rod, not being afraid of hard work, could fix anything from cars to computers, and he never hesitated to help anyone. Rod's love for softball had him coaching, playing for Farmers (Johnson) Insurance, and attending Gopher softball games. His butterscotch cheesecake was second to none. Rod loved teaching, his friends and family, and most of all the love of his life, his wife and high school sweetheart, Kim.
He is survived by his wife, Kim; mother: Elaine and step-father, Chuck Eidenschink of Rushford, MN; two children: Leandra (Andrew) Duneman of Rushford; and Dan (Hannah) Anderson of Rushford; two siblings: Edie (Charlie) Mueller of Rushford, MN, Tim (Lori) Anderson of Lanesboro, MN; step-brother, Mike Eidenschink of Peterson, MN; three grandchildren: Aviana, Camdyn, and Vivian; and by many: nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his father.
There will be a Memorial Service for Rod on Friday, November 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the Rushford -Peterson High School Theater with The Reverend Steve Chellew officiating. Visitation will be at the school from 11:00 a.m. on Friday until the time of the service. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please leave a memory of Rod and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved Rod. Please be assured that God is aware of your pain and he cares. 2 Corinthians 1 : 3,4 "
"Dear Kim and all of Rod's family, It was such a special honor for me to have been a classmate of Rod's through all of our school years in Rushford. I have nothing but the fondest memories of those times. The thing I liked best about Rod was how well he treated everybody. About six years ago, I was in Rushford and bumped into him one morning while walking downtown. We hadn't seen each other in about fifteen years, and we got a chance to visit and catch up on each other's lives. That encounter made my whole day, and it is a memory that I will always treasure. We are all thinking of you and are so sorry for what you are enduring. Sincerely, Tracy Cook"
"Kim, Leandra, Dan and Family Members, On behalf of all of the employees and the School Board Members at Rushford ? Peterson, I extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your families. We were all deeply saddened to learn of Rod?s passing. I commend him on his 20 years of dedication to the Rushford-Peterson Schools. He had a passion for teaching and was a caring, compassionate and outstanding math educator! He also had a proven track record as a softball coach! As our students will attest, he taught more than just math, and was always concerned for his students and players well being. I applaud him for his love of teaching and coaching. The saying goes that when we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that will watch over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you now have Rod, the angel, who will be lovingly watching over you. Please trust that Rod is in the warm embrace of the ?Good Lord? and is at peace. He will be surrounded by the joys and comforts of heaven. We have you and all of your family members in our thoughts and prayers. May the Good Lord bless and comfort you and your families during this time of grief. Chuck Ehler ? Supt. R-P School Family & R-P School Board Members "
"Elaine, Chuck and Family, Joan and I are so very sorry to here of your loss. Our deepest sympathies to you all."
"Our sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Rod. We enjoyed all the years he spent teaching, coaching, and establishing relationships in the Kasson-Mantorville School District. His love of wrestling and people will always be remembered. Jerry and Darcy Reker"
"deepest sympathies to the entire family ,,, many bowling memories "
"Deepest sympathies to the entire family. "
"My sincere and deepest sympathies go out to the entire family! I was in Rod's class in Rushford from the middle of 6th grade through 8th, before moving to Caledonia. Rod was always such a fun, happy guy with a great smile, and he was so good at every sport he played. Everyone enjoyed being around him, and it sounds like that remained true his entire life. Even though my time with him was just as kids, I have very good memories from being his classmate and friend and feel privileged to have known him. My heart goes out to his entire family and all who loved him. Sheila Becker Muller "
"Many fond memories of Rod. My prayers and thoughts are with you!"
"Our sincere thoughts and deepest sympathies are extended to the Anderson family. Rod was an incredible person and it was wonderful to have known and worked with him. He was great teacher, an excellent coach, proud husband and father, and exceptional host. He always had the best interests of our KoMet students, athletes, and staff in mind. I have many fond memories of spending time with him during practices, scouting trips, coaching clinics, and in the comfort of his home. He was always very proud of his family and loved his home town of Rushford. Thoughts and prayers extended to all during this difficult time. Jon & Kari Buchanan "
"Rod, Tim and Edie were the first of the many South Rushford children I had the privilege of babysitting for. My own children were blessed to have him as a teacher and coach! He had such a kind heart and beautiful smile. Although he is no longer physically here, I am sure he will continue to guide his family in mind and spirit. My deepest sympathy to the entire Anderson family! Dee Jackson and family"
"Rod was a blessing to many and someone I looked up to growing up with him. He was a positive influence on many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kim and his entire family! Dana & Koni Grimsrud"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family. I will always remember being called ?punky? when I grew up down the street in South Rushford. "
"My heart goes out to the Anderson family. Not only did I grow up near Rod in South Rushford but I also had the privilege of working with him at the Middle School for a few years. Truly a wonderful man with a passion for life. He has touched the hearts of many students and staff alike. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the entire family. "
"My heart goes out to your family. It was a privilege to have graduated with Dan and had Mr. Anderson as a teacher. I?m praying God?s grace and comfort for you all. You are loved."
"My sympathies go out to the Anderson family. I grew up with Dan, his son, and got to know Rod a lot more than just as a teacher because of it and I'm thankful for it. Definitely too soon."
"We are so sorry to hear about Rod! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson and Eidenshink family!"
"Our sincere prayers are for the friends and family of Rod and Kim. High School, wrestling, was better because of him. Will always remember the letter jacket with all the metals . Stephan "
"My deepest sympathy to all that held Rodney as very dear. Circumstantially, I didn't really know Rodney as an adult, but as a child he was a dear sweet and fun little boy. I have to believe that carried over to adulthood along with being a loving husband, father and grandpa. He is a true hero, with all that he has endured with courage and a positive attitude. I am left to grieve for the loss of that sweet boy. I an CERTAIN that our Heavenly Father welcomes him with His loving arms. "
"Anderson family, Rod has touched the lives of all who knew him, and he lives on in all of you. Prayers and peace to you all."
"Our sympathies to the Anderson family. We had a lot of great, fun talks during and after his softball coaching career. Another good man gone too soon. -Devon & Allie Krueger"
"Kim, if it hadn?t been for Rod?s kindness and support, I?m not sure I would have survived being assigned to teach at the Middle School. He was always available for advice and a helping hand when I needed it. He was a great friend and a wonderful educator. I will miss him."
"If ther were only words that we could express our sorrow for your family. Rod is a special person with the love of sports, nature and of course family. His kindness and love for life will always be with me. Craig Colbenson "
"Rod had an infectious laugh that will never be forgotten."
"Kim, Elaine, Edie, Tim and families, My sincere sympathy to you all. Rod was a wonderful guy as you all know, and I cherish the memories I have growing up next door to your family in South Rushford. Much love to you all now and in the future!"