Rodney L. "Hot Rod" Berglund

Rodney "Hot Rod" L. Berglund, age 69, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, following a short illness.

Rod was born in New London on May 28, 1956, to Darrell and Luonne (McDermott) Berglund. He grew up in Appleton and graduated with the class of 74 at Appleton West High School. Following high school, Rod earned his associate degree at Fox Valley Technical College.

On June 18, 1983, Rod was united in marriage to Mary Hron, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Appleton. The couple have enjoyed 42 years together. Rod worked in the banking industry for 39 years. He started his career at the State Bank of New London, then spent many years at Valley Bank in Appleton, now known as BMO Harris, retiring in 2015.

Rod could always be found helping out at his grandparent's bar in New London in his childhood. He especially enjoyed trips with them to their cottage on Dog Lake in Three Lakes. Rod loved the great outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed following his grandchildren's sporting events. He loved sports and always cheered for the home teams.

He will be missed by his wife, Mary Berglund, Appleton; son, Matthew (Nadine) Berglund, Combined Locks; daughter, Emily (Joe) Keller, Glendale; four grandchildren: Layla, Memphis, Evelyn, and Valerie; his mother, Luonne Berglund, Appleton; 3 sisters: Rhonda (Fred) Lecker, Freedom, Anne (Greg) Young, Greenville, and Michelle (Kevin) Miller, Appleton; 2 brothers-in-law, Michael (Nancy) Hron, West Bend and James Hron, West Bend; sister-in-law Christine Hron, West Bend. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell, and father-in-law and mother-in-law Paul and Paula Hron, and sister-in-law Lori Hron.

A memorial service will take place at 4 pm on Thursday, January 22, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2331 Lourdes Dr. Appleton. Friends may visit at the church on Thursday from 2 pm till 3:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.