Rodney L. Skalbeck

Rodney L. Skalbeck, 86, of Sacred Heart, died Thursday, November 5th at Avera Hospital in Marshall. His funeral will be 1:00 pm, Monday, November 9th at Assembly of God in Willmar with burial in First English Lutheran Cemetery in Sacred Heart. There will be visitation from 3-5 pm, Sunday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. www.hafh.org Memorials may be given to Kingdom Projects at Assembly of God in Willmar.

Rodney was born February 23, 1934, in Hawk Creek Township, Renville County, spending his entire life within two miles of Sacred Heart, the son of Benjamin and Alma (Golie) Skalbeck. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1952. Following high school, he farmed with his brothers for several years before going on his own.

On March 24, 1957, he was united in marriage to Joan Dosseth at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart. They continued to live and farm in Hawk Creek Township where he also raised purebred hogs and cattle. Rodney was even in the combine the day before he became ill.

Throughout the years, Rod was active in several different civic and agricultural organizations. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and a fan of local and state sports teams. Rodney will also be remembered as a gifted story teller. Rodney was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ and was a faithful and devoted member of Assembly of God where he believed and supported missions. He had a big heart that loved his family dearly.

Surviving are his wife, Joan of Sacred Heart; children, Jeffrey (and Kathy) Skalbeck of Spirit Lake, IA; Ann (and Randy) Zimmer of Raymond; David Skalbeck of Sacred Heart and Todd (and Melissa) Skalbeck of Willmar; grandchildren: Jennifer, Megan, Beth, Brian (Hillary), Caleb (Becky), Abby (Cyle), Brandon (Melissa), Jacob, Anthony, Ben, Hailey, Sarah and Jens; and great grandchildren: Elijah, Vivian, Madison, Avia and Declan. Also surviving are his sisters, DeVona Swanson of Litchfield and Marilyn (and Herb) Dutt of Willmar; and sisters-in-law, Corinne Kirkhart, Gloria Skalbeck, and Sandy Dosseth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Robert and Milan.