Rodney J. Friesen

Rodney J. Friesen, 72, died peacefully at home on October 9, 2025 following his battle with pancreatic cancer. Rod was born August 17,1953, in Ulysses, Kansas to Arlene (Troyer) and Eugene Friesen.

He and his two brothers, Gary and Bruce, grew up in Johnson City, Kansas. Rod attended Stanton County High School, where he played basketball and ran track and cross-country, graduating in 1971. He later attended Fort Hays State University and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1975.

Following in his father's footsteps, he began his career in the co-op business putting his accounting skills to work. In 1978, he started at Dodge City Coop in the grain department and later became Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In 2004, he joined Skyland Grain as controller and quickly assumed the position of CFO for Skyland as well. He retired in 2017 after serving more than 40 years in the co-op industry.Rod married Gaylene Zahorsky on September 18, 1983 in Hopeton, Oklahoma. Their daughter, Lindsay, was born on August 27, 1985, in Dodge City, Kansas. Rod enjoyed both playing and watching golf. Many family vacations revolved around traveling to watch the International Golf Tournament in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Rod was pleased to give his daughter away in marriage to Alex Treaster on July 14, 2018. Two years later, Rod and Gaylene welcomed their grandson, Brooks Alexander Treaster, on July 2, 2020. Brooks quickly became the light of his grandpa's eye and they formed a special bond – especially enjoying watching Kansas City Royals baseball games together. The highlight of this past summer for Rod was watching Brooks take the field in his first season of t-ball.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Gaylene; his daughter, Lindsay (Alex Treaster); his grandson, Brooks; and his brothers, Gary (Carol) and Bruce.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the First Missionary Church, 1310 Avenue C, Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Contributions in Rod's memory can be given to Interim HealthCare of Overland Park or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com

Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence.