Rodney Voss

Rodney E. Voss, 86, Rosholt, SD, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at St. Catherine's Living Center in Wahpeton, ND.

A Celebration of Life will be Monday, December 11, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethania Lutheran Church in Rosholt with Rev. Nancy Quatier and Rev. David Lerseth officiating.  Music will be provided by Roderick Voss.

Burial will be in the Bethania Cemetery, Rosholt. Military Honors will be provided by the Read Veflin American Legion Post 180 of New Effington, SD.  Honorary urn bearers will be all of Rodney's friends who meant so much to him.  Active urn bearers will be Rodney's granddaughters, Melissa Houghtaling and Jessica Griffin.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Bethania Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue Monday one hour prior to the service at the church.  The Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt is in charge of the arrangements.

Rodney Eugene Voss was born September 19, 1931, in Victor Township, SD to William and Elsie (Peterson) Voss. He was baptized at St. Joseph's Lutheran Church in rural Rosholt and confirmed at Bethania Lutheran Church where he remained a lifelong member.

Rodney attended grade school at Cottonwood School, White Rock #3, just one mile east of his home. At a young age he would run home from school hoping to drive a tractor. He graduated from Rosholt High School in 1949, farming with his father after graduating. Rodney later fulfilled his childhood dream of owning his own farm after returning from his military service in Germany.

On March 7, 1954, Rodney married Ardyth Hardie at First English Lutheran Church in Fairmount, ND. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Roderick, Heidi and Jodi. His faith and his family were most important in his life. His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him immense joy. His face would light up at the mention of their names.

Rodney was a sports enthusiast. While in high school he played on Rosholt's first football team and the American Legion baseball team. His love of sports continued into adulthood as he taught each of his grandchildren the art of catching a baseball and hitting homeruns. He always remained loyal to his favorite sports teams, the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Rodney gave back to his community and church by serving on the Farmer's Elevator Board, the Victor Township Board and Bethania Church council. He was a member of the Lion's Club and volunteered as an EMT on the NE Ambulance Service. He was proud of the fact that in the early 1970's, his vote broke the tie to build the cement elevators. Rodney was a generous man, always ready to help someone in any way he could. He took "love your neighbor as yourself" to heart, always treating others fairly and instilling these ethics in his children and grandchildren.

During his retirement years, he and Ardie spent many winter months in Arizona and on the shores of Alabama. Rodney's dedication and hard work afforded them opportunities to travel extensively, something they found great enjoyment in doing.

Having farmed his entire life, Rodney connected with the land that he loved and nurtured. Nothing gave him more pleasure than a straight row of crops and a bountiful harvest. He was truly a steward of the part of creation that was given into his care.

Rodney is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ardyth of Rosholt, SD; children, Roderick Voss (Mark Floding) of Marietta, GA, Heidi (Curt) Houghtaling, of Elk River, MN, Jodi Voss (Anna Griesbach), of Kansas City, MO; granddaughters, Melissa (Laura) Houghtaling and Jessica (Dan) Griffin, both of St Paul, MN; great grandchildren, Colman Griffin and Sydney Griffin; two sisters, Laurel Storbakken, Watertown, SD, DeLoris (Dallas) Holm, Blaine, MN; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elsie Voss; his grandson, Adam Houghtaling; and his sister, Amy Langeland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethania Lutheran Church or Northeast Ambulance Service.