Rodney Leo Pechous

Rodney L. Pechous was born on December 2, 1946, to Leo and Adeline (Kortan) Pechous on the family farm southeast of Tabor. He passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, with family and friends at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.

Following graduation from Tabor High School, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970. He served honorably, where he was entrusted with training younger soldiers in firearm safety and operation, and was stationed on the USS Galveston near command posts and artillery.

Following military service, Rodney returned home to live and farm with his parents until he retired in 2022 due to medical reasons. He built a life rooted in hard work, humility, and deep care for both the land and the people around him. He spent his life not only farming but also caring for his parents, demonstrating a quiet and steady devotion to family.

Rodney was known for the pride he took in his farming operation and for his willingness to help neighbors, family, and friends at a moment’s notice. He had a deep love for John Deere and took great pride in keeping his equipment and the Pechous farm meticulously clean and well cared for. He lived a simple and fulfilling life, finding joy in the daily rhythms of farming—from milking cows and raising crops to managing hogs and later transitioning into a beef operation.

Outside of farming, Rodney found happiness in the outdoors and on the water, from fishing to deer and goose hunting. He cherished the quieter moments in life, particularly playing cards with good friends Shirley Wood, Jerry, Joann, Elmer, and Becky Herman. He also enjoyed hanging out with friends at the Tabor town elevator to, as Grandma would say, “solve the world’s problems.” In earlier days, he also liked to go to the Keg Bar to watch The Bold and the Beautiful with the gang, sharing a good fondue and Sunday morning coffee visits.

Rodney will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his quiet generosity, and his unwavering dedication to his family and way of life. His legacy is one of service, humility, and a life well lived. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We are comforted knowing he is together again with Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, and Dad.

Honorary pallbearers and good friends are Tommy Sedlacek, Bob Rezac, Kenny Rezac, Jimmy Sternhagen, Bob Caba, Larry Kocer, Donnie Kortan, and Dave Kloucek

Pallbearers are Angie Sayler, Mindy Schweitzer, Richard Pechous, Bobby Pechous, Joe Rezac, and Jim Rezac.

Rodney is survived by his niece and nephew, Denise Platt and Rick (Charlotte Jensen) Kreber; aunts Evelyn Nohava and Marlene Pechous; uncle Raymond Pechous; and a plethora of cousins on the Pechous and Kortan sides of the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Arla and Robert Kreber; special friend and second “Ma,” Hattie Vellek; and his fishing and hunting companion, Les Kalda.

Rick and Denise would like to thank Dr. Tyler Hanson, Dr. Amanda Sedlacek, and the ICU nurses at Avera Sacred Heart for the great care and comfort they gave Rodney during his final days. A special thank you also goes to Dr. Byron Nielsen and all the terrific nurses at the dialysis unit—not only for the exceptional care they gave Rodney over the past four years, but most importantly for the laughter and joy they brought him. They put up with his verbal antics and dished it right back to him. He loved every moment of it, even if it meant hearing the stories at least three to four times. No doubt dialysis will never be the same again without our Rod.