Robert A. Rodenberg

Robert Rodenberg, 63, of Dayton, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

His memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 22, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove with visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be at Old Mamre Cemetery in Pennock.  Memorials are preferred to the Mayo Clinic for POEMS Syndrome research or to CaringBridge.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Bob was born in Minneapolis on April 15, 1960, to Arnold and Arleen Rodenberg. He grew up in Columbia Heights, where he became the beloved little brother of two older sisters. Bob graduated from Columbia Heights High School, and later enrolled in NEI College of Technology as an Electronics Technician.

He is survived by sisters, Roxie (Tim) Ross and Linda (Bill) Davis; daughter, Lauren (Andrew) Blaisdell and grandchildren, Paxton and Cecelia; son, Dan Rodenberg; brothers-in-law, Lonnie (Penny) Fosso and Ryan (Sarah) Fosso; his former wife and mother of his children, Sharon Olson; his nieces and nephews; and special friend, Kathy Rasche.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Kelly Rodenberg; parents, Arnold and Arleen Rodenberg; grandparents, Gladys and Arthur Baldwin and Elsie and Harry Rodenberg; and several aunts and uncles.

Always having an eye for detail, Bob served as a Quality Manager for various companies in the Twin Cities area. He enjoyed a 16 year career at Spec Plating in Fridley before landing at Donaldson’s Aerospace and Defense Division and ultimately Richlind Metal Fab in Chaska at just the perfect time so he could be much closer to their home, as our Lord was giving Bob his ultimate role of caregiver.

In 2012, Bob underwent a stem cell transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for POEMS Syndrome. This elusive disease took our nation’s best doctors multiple visits to correctly diagnosis. The rarity of his disease placed him as an individual who was literally three in a million. Something Kelly always claimed she knew.  Initially being a patient, Bob became the ever-patient full-time caregiver to his wife, Kelly, in 2019, a year following her diagnosis with a GBM terminal brain tumor. As her disease progressed, Bob selflessly and lovingly took on all of Kelly’s daily care duties, and their once shared household duties as well.

When of able body, Bob and Kelly’s favorite pastime was biking. It was time they treasured together. Enjoying many local trails and beautiful scenic paths, as many summers were planned around our great states organized rides.  Bob had a love for woodworking. Known as Bob the Builder, he crafted many beautiful custom-made basement bars, kids’ corner kitchen units, and keepsake boxes for grandkids, nieces and nephews. His do-it-yourself talents also included remodeling his dad’s home, putzy stenciling, construction of a beautiful decks and a tree fort for his nieces and nephew.

Bob enjoyed cooking. He was a master of the grill, who loved to spoil his family with delicious food. His kids will always remember his perfectly done steaks and the rotisserie turkeys at Thanksgiving.

Bob was a kind, gentle and loving person who wanted the best for everyone around him. He will forever be missed.

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