Rodney Kent Lindgren

It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved father, Rodney Lindgren, who died on August 13, 2024, after a rich life filled with deep love for his family, as well as friends.
Rodney Kent Lindgren was born on June 13, 1957, to Dwayne and Betty (Fotheringham) Lindgren in Burke, South Dakota. He grew up on the family farm. He attended school in Fairfax, South Dakota.
Rodney married Shirley Sabalka on January 19, 1975. They were married for twelve years, and one daughter, Kristy, joined this union. Rodney earned an Accounting degree from Mitchell Vo-tech in 1988. Rodney earned several awards for shooting and would often boast that he spent his time on his terms.
Rodney was an all-around renaissance man. One of his favorite occupations was working as a ranch hand at the Mulehead Ranch outside of Bonesteel, South Dakota. Another favorite job was working as the district manager for the Soil Conservation Office in Charles Mix County. He would not hesitate to tell people that he planted more trees than Johnny Appleseed! He frequently returned to the ranch to help when he could, as well as continue to team up with Tom Fernau to pull pranks whenever the opportunity arose.
In 1985, Rodney succumbed to partial paralysis due to a motorcycle accident. While this was a life-altering event, his perseverance and independent streak did not slow him down. He inspired his grandchildren so much with what he overcame that they all wrote school essays naming him as their hero.
While I lost my most beloved dad and best friend, many have also lost a friend and a loved one in Rod, because once you were marked as important to him, he'd be by your side if you needed him. He has been a rock to many, a master at sarcastic humor with an uncanny ability to add witty comments with perfect timing to all conversations. There was so much more to him than just dad and grandpa- he was also a friend, a coworker and colleague, a cousin, brother, a handyman, machinist, all things guns and ammo, hunter, master chef, and the list goes on and on.
He was a man of humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. He touched the lives of many friends who he considered members of his family.
Rod was a very wise man who was raised to love Jesus with all his might. He had great faith as a child, but it began to waiver after his accident in 1985. Although he spent many years living in doubt, his very near and dear beloved nephew, Kent Wells would share testimonies with Rod that truly opened his heart to Jesus. On July 20, 2024, Rodney made the decision to be baptized, in a way that can only be described as divine intervention. Rod's very last wish was that he would be reunited with all his loved ones in heaven so that we may rejoice in God's everlasting love and promises together.
Leaving behind, to hold on to memories and share his life are: his mother, Betty Lindgren; sisters: Rene (Chris) Kantack and Rachel (Brad) Riddle; brothers: Randy Lindgren, Rylan Lindgren, and Robert Lindgren; daughter, Kristy Jarrott; grandchildren: William, Paul Jr. and Johanna; Additional survivors are Shirley Frederickson, Misty Wilson, Abby Froelich, Matthew Jarrott, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He will be welcomed to heaven by his grandparents; father, Dwayne Lindgren; sister-in-law, Cindy Lindgren; as well as Tom and Tommy Fernau.
A service will be held in his honor on August 31, 2024, at Fairfax City Hall at 11:00 A.M.
Lunch will be served after to celebrate his life, reminisce, laugh and tell your favorite Rod stories.
Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.
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