Rodney Zemlicka

Rodney Zemlicka ObituaryRodney Zemlicka of Watertown, SD passed away at the age of 69 on Friday, September 26, 2025 in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by his wife and children.
Funeral service will be 10:30am, Thursday, October 2, 2025 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Watertown.
Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 4:00pm-7:00pm, with a Prayer Service starting at 7:00pm followed by a Time of Sharing.
Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Watertown.
Honorary pallbearers will be his nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Micheal Peterson, Jason Zemlicka, Justin Zemlicka, Shane Zemlicka, Shaun Zemlicka, Shannon Zemlicka, Tyson Zemlicka, and Taylor Zemlicka.
Rodney Roger Zemlicka was born on March 7, 1956 in Watertown, South Dakota to Harley and Shirley (Britzman) Zemlicka. He grew up on the family farm north of Waverly and attended school in Waverly. Rodney graduated from Waverly High School in 1974 and began farming with his dad and brothers. While farming he worked at the Rauville Olin Flax Straw Mill (north of Watertown) where he learned how to drive a semi-truck.
He moved to a farm place north of Watertown where he began raising cattle and currently resided. He acquired his own truck and hauled cattle and grain for hire. Through the years he drove truck for Engels Trucking, Arrow Trucking and delivered trucks for Telelect. He eventually brought his son, Brent into the operation and was farming with his wife and son. He was a long-time member of First Congregational United Church of Christ and served on the church council there.
Rodney and Brenda Fuerst were united in marriage on November 14, 1992, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Watertown. The couple was blessed with three children, their son, Brent and daughters, Jordan and Jerica. Rodney and Brenda celebrated 33 years together.
Raising cattle and farming were Rodney's passion and hobby.
He loved taking Brenda and whoever else was around out for supper; as well as traveling with his family to go see family. He also enjoyed playing pinochle, visiting with friends and going for drives.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Brenda Zemlicka; his devoted children, Brent (Mallory) Zemlicka of Watertown, SD, Jordan Zemlicka of Milbank, SD and Jerica (Brody) Gilbertson of Milbank, SD; his 2 grandchildren, Henry and Ellie Zemlicka; his siblings, Dallas Zemlicka of Marietta, OK, Donna (Larry) Collier of Clear Lake, SD, Galen (Janet) Zemlicka of Milbank, SD, Linda (David) Heuer of Akaska, SD and Lonnie (MaryLynn) Zemlicka of Watertown, SD; his sister-in-law, Linda Zemlicka of Billings, SD; and his mother-in-law, Violet Fuerst of Scotland, SD.
Welcoming Rodney to Heaven are his parents; his brothers, Gary, Douglas and Kevin; and his father-in-law, Verlyn Fuerst.
Rodney Zemlicka of Watertown, SD passed away at the age of 69 on Friday, September 26, 2025 in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by his wife and children.
Funeral service will be 10:30am, Thursday, October 2, 2025 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Watertown.
Visitation will be at the church on Wednesda