Kris Rodman

Kristine “Kris” Marie Rodman was born on November 11, 1944, in Aurora, Illinois, to Dr. Lewis and Lennice Dykstra. She attended school in Aurora, graduating from high school before continuing on to Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During her college years and beyond, she was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi.

In August 1966, Kris married Bud Gabrielson in Luverne, Minnesota. While living in Luverne, she worked at the Rock County ASCS Office and dedicated 18 years of service to the Rock County Water Conservation District Board. She also served for a time on the Minnwest Board of Directors. Bud passed away in 1984.

On March 22, 1986, Kris married Terry Rodman of Jasper, Minnesota and welcomed his children, Shannon, Shawna, and Jason, into her heart. Their story began when Kris brought some farm equipment into his welding shop for repair. Together, they built a full life rooted in shared passions and community involvement.

Kris was active in both the South Dakota Ironsmiths & Welders Association Auxiliary and the National Blacksmiths and Ironsmiths Association Auxiliary. Kris worked for the City of Jasper as Clerk-Treasurer for 20 years, retiring in 2010. In Jasper, she played key roles in local development, serving as secretary for the Jasper Economic Development Authority Board and the Jasper Economic Development Corporation. She was also a long-time member of the Jasper Quarry Lions, the Jasper Progress Study Club, and served as treasurer of the United Methodist Church for several years.

An avid bridge player, Kris also enjoyed gardening, camping, and traveling—both across the U.S. and internationally. Later in life, she joined Terry in his love of windmills, a passion that started when Kris asked him to build her a Dutch windmill. That request sparked a new journey of collecting and restoring windmills, traveling across the country together to bring them home. Today, a full-sized Dutch windmill stands on their property.

After Terry’s passing in February 2025, and some health struggles, Kris moved to Brookings, South Dakota, to be closer to Shawna and her family. She settled at Peaceful Pines in Brookings, where she quickly became known for her warm smile, quick wit, fancy glasses and “feisty” spirit. She made many friends and left a lasting impression on everyone she met there. Kris was welcomed into Heaven by her husband on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Peaceful Pines at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 26 days. Though her family will miss her, they find peace in knowing that she is reunited with Terry.

Kris is survived by her children, Shawna (Rick) Vomacka of Brookings, Shannon (Nikki) Rodman of Jasper, and Jason Rodman of Seattle, Washington; grandchildren, Alexis, Jace, Bailey, Brenna, Briley, Barrett, and Nora; sister, Ann (Peter); sister-in-law, Mary; brothers-in-law, Bob (Connie) and Barry (Connie); several nieces and nephews; and many friends in Jasper and Luverne. She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry; parents, Dr. Lewis and Lennice Dykstra; brother, John; an infant brother; sister-in-law, Reta; niece, Stacy and her first husband, Bud Gabrielson.