Ross Edward Rehder

Ross Edward Rehder, 83, Barnesville, MN, went to see his Lord and Savior on March 25, 2026, at Valley Care & Rehab, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Barnesville, MN, under the direction of Pastor Greg DeMuth. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-11 am.

Ross was born on March 16, 1943, to Ralph and Lilah (Johnson) Rehder. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sabin, MN. He attended school in Comstock, MN until 8th grade when the school was consolidated with Barnesville. During his school years he was very active in both 4-H and FFA. He graduated from Barnesville High School in 1961, and in 1963 he earned his American Farmer Degree. Following high school he attended college in Wahpeton, ND at NDSSS, graduating with a Diesel Mechanics Degree. Ross served 6 years in the Minnesota National Guard during which time he held the position of company clerk. He was stationed at Fort Carson, CO and Fort Ord, CA.

On December 14, 1968, he married Cheryl Kay Wolff in Willmar, MN. They made their home on the family farm in Comstock, MN, and together they raised three boys: Jay, Aaron, and Paul. Ross loved farming, especially raising livestock, cattle, pigs, and chickens, and he was a member of the Chester Whites and Berkshire Swine Association. He served on the Clay County Extension Advisory Committee for nine years. Along with farming he worked for the Minnesota Soybean Association where he showed farmers the benefits of bio diesel. Sadly, Cheryl passed away in 1996. In 2001 his son Paul bought the farm where Ross continued to help and live.

Ross served on the Clay County Fair Board for 35 years. The Clay County Fair and the MN State Fair were a huge highlight of every year with his children, grandchildren, and other Clay County families preparing and showing their animals. Ross was also very active with St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving on many boards, both the Comstock and Barnesville Lions clubs, and the Comstock Wildlife Club.

Ross moved into Barnesville in 2013. He kept busy with his involvement at church, the Clay County Fair, and the Garden Club. In January of 2026 Ross moved into Valley Care & Rehab in Barnesville, MN.

Ross is survived by his sons: Jay (Jennifer) Rehder, Moorhead, MN, Aaron Rehder, Barnesville, MN, and Paul (Kathy) Rehder, Moorhead, MN; brothers Curtis Rehder, Dilworth, MN, and Douglas (Nina) Rehder, Billings, MT; brother-in-law Craig (Joanne) Wolff, Fort Ripley, MN; grandchildren: Hannah (Rylee) Anderson, Nathan Rehder, and Claire (Travis Affield) Rehder; and great-grandchildren Hayes & Truett Anderson.

Ross was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl Kay; his parents Ralph & Lilah Rehder; mother and father-in-law Luverne & Doris Wolff; and sister-in-law Judy Rehder.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Comstock Cemetery.