Rodney Westby

Rodney Westby, age 74, Rosholt, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Coteau des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton.

Funeral Services will be Friday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Lutheran Church, rural Rosholt.  Officiants will be Rev. Tom Stenzel and Lay Pastor Rory Iverson.  Music will be provided by Lana and Paul Sand and Gary and Pam Anderson.

Seating has been expanded for those joining the family to honor Rod's memory. Please join the family for lunch at the Rosholt Community Center following the service.  The service will be recorded and will appear after the service on this website.

Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be his sons Ben Westby, Andy Westby, and Chad Smith; and grandsons Zach and Huntley Smith, and Cade, Beckett, and Turner Westby.  Honorary pallbearers will be Rod's fellow Auctioneers and RATA members.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  Visitation will continue Friday morning one hour prior to the service at the church.

Rodney Keith Westby was born November 10, 1950, to Cyril and Helen (Carlson) Westby in Wheaton, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Lutheran church in rural Rosholt, SD, where he remained an active member his entire life.

Rod attended East Harmon 101 through the 5th grade and began working with his father in the family construction and plumbing business from a young age.  When Cyril purchased a backhoe in 1962, Rod, then a 7th grader, missed 38 days of school to assist him on jobs. After graduating from Rosholt High School in 1969, Rod went full-time with his dad buying a dozer, dragline, and another backhoe, servicing the tri-state area digging basements, water lines, sewers, and drainage ditches.

On August 7, 1971 he married the love of his life, Lois Wickander.  To this union were born 3 children; Benjamin Jon (1974), Katie Jo (1977), and Andrew James (1980). Rod and Lois spent many hours and drove countless miles attending their children's various activities. They were further blessed later in life when their kids married amazing spouses who gave them 9 beautiful grandchildren which they treasure beyond measure.

While working in the construction business with Cyril, Rod began farming with him and later was a part of Westby dairy with his brothers. He also had a brief stint as a lineman with Traverse Electric. In 1985, they moved to the Tedin farm east of Rosholt, farming the land that Lois's father had once farmed. That same year they started Westby Auction Company. In 1989, Rod and Lois became licensed realtors, and within two years, they relaunched the business as Westby Realty and Auction Company. That period of farming, selling real estate, and having 50+ auctions a year were very busy but blessed years. After retiring from the auction business, Rod's focus shifted purely to what he enjoyed doing most, farming the land that he loved. He was thrilled to transition the farm to and work closely with his son Ben and son-in-law Chad in recent years.

Rod served his Church as a Sunday school superintendent and teacher, a youth group advisor, a council member, and president. Other community involvement included being on the school board, the ethanol plant board, and on the Farmers Elevator board as both a member and president for many years. He was also a founding member and past president of the Rosholt Area Threshing Association (RATA) which traces its roots to 1988. Rod and Lois spent their later years following and supporting their grandchildren's activities. They also enjoyed their wintertime RV travels to Florida meeting many wonderful people from all walks of life. Their marriage was a true partnership in every way.

Rod was a man of many talents and loves. He told the best stories. His loud voice and infectious laugh could always be heard above the crowd. He held the most entertaining auctions. He loved farming, old tractors, and harvest time. He was a skilled operator of every piece of equipment he ever touched, especially a backhoe. He loved family time at Clear Lake, where they moved his childhood home in 2003. He made every person he spoke with feel important. He was like a second father and brother to many. Most importantly, Rod loved Jesus and helped point many others to Christ.

Rod's core values of honesty, family, and faith, combined with his endless selflessness and tireless work ethic have made an impression on many. His courageous battle with cancer and unwavering faith in the Lord are prime examples of how he lived his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; his brother Doyle; his sisters-in-law Carol Moeckly and Janet Cory; his grandparents; and numerous aunts, uncles, and family members.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 53 years, Lois; his children Ben (Monica) Westby of Rosholt, Katie (Chad) Smith of Rosholt, and Andy (Erin) Westby of Kindred, ND; his nine grandchildren Kiara, Ella, and Addison Westby; Zachary, Khloe, and Huntley Smith; and Cade, Beckett, and Turner Westby; Brothers Eldon (Sherri) Westby, Curt (Myrna) Westby, and Brent (Ellen) Westby; in-laws Jay Cory, Kirk Moeckly, and Donna and Randy Holman; maternal aunt, Violet Milbrandt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rod believed the meaning of life was to leave this world better than you found it. Without question, he did exactly that. Blessed be the memory of Rodney Westby.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider donating to RATA, St. Joseph Lutheran Church, or Roger Maris Cancer Center.