Rodney Knut Svenson

Rodney Knut Svenson, 87, Joplin, MT went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Oct 2, 2025 of natural causes at Logan Health, Chester.

A public viewing is planned on Oct 10, 2025 from 10am - 11:45am at the Joplin Community Hall, Joplin, MT, followed by a graveside service at noon in the Joplin Cemetery. A luncheon will be served back at the Community Hall after the burial.

Rodney was born in Havre MT, January 22, 1938 to Knut Svenson and Olive Wood Svenson. He attended grade school at Burke country school and graduated from Joplin High School, class of 1955.

The popcorn girl at the Rudyard movie theater caught Rodney’s eye. He spent a lot of time sitting on the couch in the lobby smoking his cigarettes, hoping to catch her eye. His plan worked and Rodney married Orva Edith Ergenbright on March 17th, 1961 in Sand Point, ID. Their last day together (Oct 1) was spent in the very theater where their relationship began. Watching a movie, holding hands.

Rodney and Edith raised their two daughters on their farm 30 miles north of Joplin. Farming was in Rodney’s blood and he took great pride in having clean summer fallow and raising the best crops possible. He enjoyed driving around the country side looking at crops and never turned down an opportunity to talk farming any chance he got.

In the 1960’s Rodney was honored by being chose as one of Montana Young Farmer’s of the Year. He also served 35 years on the Liberty County Conservation Board. In his younger years he was on the Joplin School Board, drove school bus, was on a bowling league, played Tuesday night volleyball and was a on trap shooting team at the Rudyard gun club. Rodney loved to play cards. Pinochle, whist along with hand and foot were some of his favorites. He also spent hours playing solitaire, going through many decks of card's with his favorites being the ones he was gifted with his Great Grandkids pictures on each card. He took every chance he had to visit his great grandkids, never missing a birthday party or special occasion. The coffee pot was always on, a game of solitaire on the table…he was always ready for a good visit with whomever stopped by. Rodney participated in many Bible studies and prayer groups throughout his life strengthening his faith in his Savior.

Rodney and Edith enjoyed traveling and taking their daughters on many Christmas break trips throughout their school years. Later, together, they spent many winters in Arizona, where they met and kept in contact with many wonderful friends. In Arizona he enjoyed riding 4 wheeler in the desert, attending jam sessions, going to flee markets, and watching a good old western movie. They traveled to several states in their motorhome over the years. Together, him and Edith also traveled to Russia twice on Mission trips, distributing bibles, visiting hospitals and spreading the gospel. On one of their Russians trips they stopped off in Sweden to visit with family and see the home place where Rodney’s Dad, Knut was raised.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years Edith, daughters Shawn (Lanny) Jones and Sherri Marrs both of Joplin. Grandchildren Tyler (Jamie) Jones of Chester, Karissa (Kyle) Owens Vancouver WA, Natalie (Alex) Fairhart, Bellevue, WA. Great Grandchildren, Harper, Nash and Indy Jones. Sister Dorothy Fraser as well as nieces, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Knut (1987) and Olive (2002), an infant brother and daughter Karina (1976).

The family thanks the staff at Logan Health, Chester for their loving care and support the last few months. We truly appreciate you all!!