Rodney "Rod" Dean Taatjes

Rodney “Rod” Dean Taatjes, age 84, passed away on December 4th, 2024, from CHI St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Park Rapids, MN. He was born on September 7th, 1940, in Clara City, MN, the son of Jeanette (Grussing) and Russell Taatjes.

Rod grew up in Clara City, with his siblings working on the family farm. After college at Macallister he married Evon, this union provided two children, Joel and Joy. They raised their family in Minneapolis, MN. One of his passions was motorcycles, he was active in many rallies and enjoyed buying, building, and taking trips on his bike. Rod re-married in 1980 to Nancy Wegner, and they moved to Walker, MN with stepchildren Richard and Kris. He worked as a contractor, having his own business Beaver Lake Builders, building many homes in the area. In time he had become a cabinet maker which he pursued until he retired. Rod was a true perfectionist and there wasn’t a job too difficult for him. In his eyes “if you’re going to do something, you may as well do it right”. It was a testament to the man he was and how he lived his life. He was a kind and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor, he would do anything for anyone at the drop of a hat. He loved his morning coffee with friends every morning at the Benedict Store and found pleasure in the simple things in life. An active sportsman he volunteered with the North Star Sportsman’s Club for many years. He loved the woods and the pond on his property, and seeing the beauty it had through the many seasons was like heaven on earth. Rod’s failing health forced him into assisted healthcare facilities over the last few years, given the situation he still shared wonderful conversations and laughter right up to the end. Rodney lived a long and blessed life and will always be remembered and loved, he will always be a part of those close to him and influenced all our lives.

Rod is preceded in death by his father, Russell; brothers, Bob and Steve Taatjes.

Rod is survived by his mother, Jeanette; son, Joel (Shannon) Taatjes; daughter, Joy Tincher; stepchildren, Richard “Rick” (Lynn) Taatjes, Kris (Jay) Kelley, LeeAnn Wacholz, David French, Michelle (Chris) Harvey; brother, Tom Taatjes; sister, Gail Taatjes; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Rod’s life will be Friday, February 14, 2025, at 2:00p.m., with a one-hour visitation prior to, all to be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, MN. Pastor Matthew McWaters officiating. Inurnment will be later in a private family burial near Benedict, MN.

Rod’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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