Kermit Arthur Rodke

Kermit A. Rodke, 87, passed away on September 15, 2025, at Viking Manor, Ulen, MN surrounded by loved ones.

Born on February 22, 1938, in Moorhead, MN to Arthur and Freda (Olsen) Rodke, Kermit was welcomed into the world by his older sister, Adele. He attended country school in District 61 until the ninth grade, then attended Hawley High School, graduating in 1955. In high school, he excelled in Vo-Ag, basketball, baseball and football. His talent on the field led him to NDSU where he continued playing football. He was united in marriage to Ardell Bjorndahl on October 4, 1958. Together they raised three children, Debra, Steven and Sheri.

Kermit worked for Sellin Bros. until 1960, when the tragic loss of his father in an automobile accident led him to take over the family farm in Eglon Township. He was an innovative farmer and hard worker. In 1966, they built the first freestyle barn in Clay County and increased their dairy herd. Kermit shared his passion and love of farming with his son, and eventually, Steve took over the farming operation.

Kermit was deeply devoted to his faith, Ardell, family, farming and Hegland Church. He was strong, generous, warm-hearted, always had a great sense of humor, and loved to have fun. He was always willing to help his neighbors. He enjoyed a good game of hearts or whist and delighted in usually giving everyone 26 points! He could make a friend anywhere he went. Their home was a place of laughter, music, and hospitality. Kermit and Ardell loved to travel in the winter, sometimes by air, but mostly in their motorhome.

Kermit was active in the community. He was on the Board of Directors of State Bank of Hawley for 30 years, Silver Lake Oil Director, member of the Hawley Jaycees and Lions, Clay County 4-H Council, Eglon Adult 4-H Leader, Clay-Wilkin DHIA, Clay County American Dairy Association, advisor to Moorhead Area Technical School. His contributions were recognized with several honors including the Moorhead Jaycees 1968 Outstanding Young Farmer Award, 1972 Mid-America Young Cooperative Award, 1982 Hawley Outstanding Young Farmer, and the Clay County Century Farm Award.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Ardell; his parents; sister, Adele Clemens; and grandchildren, Travis and Tyler Freed.

He will be greatly missed and forever loved by his son, Steve (Mickie) Rodke; daughters, Debbie (Randy) Freed and Sheri (Brian) Weninger; grandchildren, Tara (Aaron) Anderson, Tracy (Justin) Giere, Erica Sponsler, Kevin (Carly) Sponsler, Whitney (Garrett) Fuchs, Larry (Kelly) Larson, and Thomas (Jen) Larson; great-grandchildren, Carter and Easton Anderson, Carson and Sadie Giere, Katie and Ella Larson, and Aiyana Anderson; special friend, Sharon Haugen; brother-in-law, Mike Clemens; nieces and nephews; and special cousin, Elroy Rodke.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Sharon for the light she brought into Kermit’s later years and the wonderful staff at Viking Manor for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be given to charities close to Kermit’s heart, including Hegland Church, Hegland Cemetery, and HIA Hospice.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Hegland Lutheran Church, rural Hawley, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Kermit's webpage. Burial will be at Hegland Lutheran Church Cemetery, following services at the church.