Rodney Elroy Dragsten

1953 - 2014

Rodney Elroy Dragsten, age 61 of Monticello, was called by Jesus unexpectedly on October 6, 2014. Visitation Thurs, Oct 9, from 4PM to 8PM, Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, 250 E. Broadway, Monticello, with one hour of further visitation prior to the service at the church. Funeral service Fri, Oct 10, 11AM at Riverside Church, 20314 Co Rd 14 NE, Big Lake. Private interment.

Rod was born in Austin, MN on March 4, 1953 to Ardis and Elroy Dragsten. Rod graduated from Shakopee where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Ann (Stark) Dragsten on December 28, 1974. Rod was a man who loved life and his family. Rod and his wife brought two beautiful girls into this world, Jennifer and Valerie. His wife, daughters and their families were his greatest joy. 'A dad's love can make a child's life forever rich'...that was Rod.

Rod was a man of many blessings and a blessing to many. Rod was never one to sit, he was up for anything as long as it was active and included speed. He loved to travel, especially the Caribbean and Florida. He was a snowmobiler, ran multiple races, which included finishing a marathon, went scuba diving in Belizean waters, water-skied, golfed, fished with grandsons and many other activities. His bucket list included barefoot skiing, and buying a corvette, which he accomplished this summer. Rod's humor was quiet, but those who knew him well would find that he could have you in stitches with his antics and his laugh was contagious.

Rod was an entrepreneur at heart. He owned and operated a hotel, became an appraiser and land developer. Whatever Rod chose to do in life he did it with tenacity like no other. Rod was devoted to his wife, family and community. He served at church, on the Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, Transportation Advisory Committee and Restoring Downtown Committee.

Rod is survived by his wife, Ann; his daughters Jennifer (Ben) Anderson (Becker) and Valerie (Shaun) Hickman (Otsego); his five grandchildren, Lillian & Ethan Anderson, Jaxon, Eliana & Emery Hickman; his parents Elroy & Ardis Dragsten (Buffalo); his sisters Heidi (Tom) Barcia (Reno, NV) and Kathy Jo (David) Haugan (Monticello); as well as many beloved nieces & nephews, brothers- & sisters-in-law and friends.