After a life of love and quiet grace, Rodney Peterson, 83, of Lee's Summit, MO/Viborg, SD, SD has passed.
What remains is memory — and the gratitude of those he loved.
Rodney entered this world in 1942 — the start of a journey that would span 83 years.
Rodney held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.
Rodney Dennis Peterson, 83,formerly of Viborg, passed away on Friday, September 26, at Center Point Medical Center in Independence, MO. Funeral services will be held at the Community Center in Viborg, SD, on Friday, October 3, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation with family present will be Thursday, October 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Chapel in Viborg, SD. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.Rodney was born on June 19, 1942, in Viborg, South Dakota, to Arnold and Merna (Lineback) Peterson. After graduating from Irene High School, he owned and operated Rod's 66, a gas station in Viborg, for many years. Later, he devoted much of his life to supporting the agricultural community through his business, Rod's Feed and Seed, until he retired in 2013 following a stroke.A true social butterfly, Rodney thrived in the company of family and friends. He was passionate about golf, softball, bowling, and dancing, and he particularly enjoyed a good game of pinochle.Rodney's love story began one summer evening while playing softball when he noticed Helen riding her bicycle through Viborg. They married on January 2, 1971, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Viborg, SD. After settling in Viborg and calling it home, they built a life and family, becoming proud parents of five sons affectionately known as the "R" boys: Rex, Ryan, Ross, Reid, and Randy. In 2021, Rodney and Helen proudly celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary before she passed away later that year.Rodney was deeply committed to serving his community, acting as chairman of the Viborg Pork Show and actively participating in the Viborg Volunteer Fire Department for many years, along with other various community organizations, all while proudly embracing his Danish heritage. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, he had a remarkable ability to make people laugh, often without even trying. Rodney spent the last 4 years residing in a retirement community in Lee's Summit, MO, near his son Rex.He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; his parents, Arnold and Merna; his sister, Donna Sundleaf; his son, Reid Alan; and his granddaughter, Lauren Kae.He is lovingly remembered by his sons: Rex (Emily) and their children Lexy (Andrew), Karsen, Reid, Rylan, and Ava; Ryan (Mika) and their children Trystan, Aydan, and Kyla; Ross (Becky); and Randy and his children Taylor, Blake, and Ty. He is also survived by his great-grandsons, Abel and Benjamin Warner; his brother, Jerry (Lyla) Peterson; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
