Rodney Walters died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, at his Buffalo home. He was 80.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at St. Mary of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Delano with Fr. Paul Kubista officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday prior to the funeral, at the church. Burial will follow at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in St. Michael, Minn.
Rodney Peter Walters was born March 25, 1942, in Watkins to Peter and Evelyn (Rodenwald) Walters. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1960. On March 3, 1962, Rodney and Mary Sue Liedman were joined in holy marriage at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Kimball.
Rodney was a lifetime member (50+ years) of Bricklayers Local Union #1, and he retired from Axel H. Ohman Concrete and Masonry. He was a humble man: he never spoke of himself, and did not want others to talk about him, in terms of accolades, either. However, he was very quick to give a detailed explanation of his grandchildrens’ successes. His favorite role was being Grandpa to 10, and Great-Grandpa to three. He enjoyed rocking them when they were babies, playing ball with them in the backyard, taking them on pony rides, watching their sporting events and horse shows, being there when first deer were taken, and sharing big hugs. He enjoyed raising and showing American Quarter and Paint horses, along with Red Angus beef cattle. Hunting, fishing, and farm work were some of his favorite activities. He truly appreciated the simple things in life: eating venison he had shot, and potatoes from his garden.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Annette Leuer, son-in-law Earle Brown, and brothers Wayne, Gene and Bob.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Mary; children Lynn (and John) Leuer, Susan Brown, and Ronald Walters; ten grandchildren Kevin (and Kelsey) Brown, Amelia (and Peter) Lyngdal, Katie (and Jason) Childers, Joe Brown, Donnie Leuer, Jacob Walters, Nick Walters, Carl Leuer, and Zach Walters; three great-grandchildren Legend, Zane, and Kelaiah Brown; sisters Donna (and Mike) Bauer, and Janice Conley; brother David (and Barb) Walters, and brother-in-law Bill (and Barb) Liedman.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the Allina Health Cancer Institute of Buffalo, and Allina Health Hospice, for their kindness and gentle care of their father during his illness. Memorials in lieu of flowers are requested.