Rodney L. Visser

1937 - 2022

Rodney L. Visser, 85, died Friday, April 8, 2022, at his winter home in Lakeview, Ark. He was a proud lifelong resident of Elcho, taking a leading role in the community's business, educational and social structure.
Born on March 30, 1937, Mr. Visser was a son of the late Nick and Selma (Olsen) Visser. He married the former Nilah Meyers on Sept. 30, 1961. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they raised three children, all of whom continue to follow in their father's footsteps. The couple also opened their home to many foster children.
He began his business career modestly, working for Luther Potatoes east of Elcho and then Ace Hardware in Antigo for his uncle, Hjelmar Olsen. He moved on to success as manager of the Sears catalog stores in Antigo and Rhinelander. In 1971 he joined Builders Service in Elcho as part-owner and in 1999 took full ownership until retiring in 2007. It continues under the ownership of his sons today. Mr. Visser served as president of Wisconsin Retail Lumber Association. For two years, he served as a member of the Board of Directors for National Hardwood Lumber Association.
He also served as a director of the Northwoods State Bank, which was headquartered in Elcho.
A 1955 graduate of Elcho High School, he maintained his support for the district throughout his life. He served on the district's board of education and initiated the recycled aluminum can project for the Elcho Scholarship Fund. Dozens of students received a boost to their higher education efforts through the scholarship funded by those cans.
He was a lover of family, fun, animals and music, another legacy passed on to his children. Rod performed as part of the Antigo Men's Chorus. He was a member Elcho United Church of Christ, Congregational throughout his life, he sang in the choir and served in many leadership roles. He especially enjoyed singing the hymn, "It Is Well with My Soul." His life reflected the message in those lyrics.
Rod was an avid Boy Scout leader, a member of the Enterprise Watersports Club and the Elcho Lions Club, served as Elcho fire chief and was the first emergency medical technician in the community. The family farm, located on the north shore of Otter Lake, was always filled with chickens and ducks, cows, bunnies, and ponies and teemed with local children. One of his daughter's favorite memories is the early morning horseback rides she shared with her father.
He enjoyed gardening, deer hunting, forest management, and cutting firewood. He also enjoyed attending Green Bay Packer games and watching the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin Badgers on television. He also loved spending winters in Arkansas and trout fishing the White River.
Survivors include his wife, Nilah; a daughter, Tina (Bob) Rasmussen; two sons, Todd (Vera) Visser and David (Heather) Visser all of Elcho; eight grandchildren, Samuel and Jessie Rasmussen, Nicholas (Shannon) and Zachary (Lauren) Visser, Nathaniel, Ruthie and Rachel Visser, and Becky (Kristi) Breezer; a great-grandson, Race Visser; two step-grandchildren, Adam Koutnik and Courtney (Adam) Goetsch; and two step-great-grandchildren, Lilly and Eugene Reinke.
He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Alan Rasmussen; three sisters, Marge Bussert, Dorothy Rasmussen and Ruth Litterest; two brothers, Ed Fish and Carl Visser; a sister-in-law, Grace Fish; and four brothers-in-law, Ed Shulze, Billie Bussert, Wayne Rasmussen and Ralph Litterest
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 20, at 11 a.m. at United Church of Christ, Congregational in Elcho with Pastor Jeff Pommerening officiating. Burial will take place in Elcho Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. all at the church
Memorials in Rodney's name may be directed to the Visser Family Community Scholarship Fund or the Elcho United Church of Christ, Congregational
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll-
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well with my soul.