Lavern Allen Rodewald

LaVern (“Vern”) Allen Rodewald, age 76 of Larimore ND, died Friday, June 26 2015, at NDHC in Northwood ND.

Vern was born March 25 1939 in Ellsworth WI, the first child of Norman and Esther (Andrus) Rodewald. He grew up in the River Falls WI area, graduated from Wisconsin Adventist Academy in Columbus WI, and attended two years at Emmanuel Missionary College, now known as Andrews University. Vern joined the United States Air Force in October 1962, and was based in Wichita KS as a fire fighter. After the service, he returned to River Falls WI, where he held several jobs, including management of GTC Auto Parts.

Vern married Pam (Erickson) on September 19 1971, in River Falls WI. They returned to Wichita KS in 1974, where Vern resumed his career in fire fighting as a civilian. In June 1984, he accepted a job at the Grand Forks AFB fire department, and he remained there until his retirement in June 1999. The family purchased a home in Larimore ND in 1985, and have resided there since.

Vern spent the majority of his retirement years as a mechanic at Paul's Petromax in Larimore ND. He also worked out of his garage repairing small engine machinery, and was chief mechanic for his daughters.

Vern is survived by his wife, Pamela (Erickson) of Larimore ND; his daughters, Danita (Heilig) of East Grand Forks ND and Alicia of Grand Forks ND; his four-legged daughter, Abi; sisters Betty (Bill) Berg of St. James MN; Doris (Barney) Lunak of St. Cloud MN; Rose (Don) McVitty of Somerset WI; and Sue Coleman of River Falls WI. He is also survived by four sisters-in-law, whom he considered his family: Marsha Thaldorf of River Falls WI; Deb Erickson of Bloomington MN; Teresa Erickson of Oak Grove MN; Barb (Dave) Christenson of Oak Grove MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vern was proceeded in death by his parents, Norman and Esther; his brother, Pete; his parents-in-law, Jim and Andrea Erickson; and special friends, Lloyd and Alleyne Tomlinson.

Memorial Service to be held July 10 2015 at 2PM at the Grand Forks Seventh-day Adventist Church, (3610 Cherry St, Grand Forks ND).