Rodney Wiedrich

Rodney Wiedrich, 64, of Aberdeen, SD, formerly of Mina, SD, died Thursday, July 14, at his home in Aberdeen after a courageous battle with cancer.

Rodney Wiedrich was born November 2, 1957 to George and Wilma (Kisse) Wiedrich in Fargo, ND. He went to elementary and junior high school in Bismarck, ND, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1976. As a young teenager, although raised in the city, Rod was drawn to the ranch lifestyle. He loved to visit Grandpa Kisse’s ranch in Halliday, ND where he purchased and helped raise his own calf. He also spent several years as a hired hand at his Uncle Johnny Buechler’s farm in Zap, ND.

As he neared high school graduation, he became a small engine mechanic. He and his father overhauled an engine for his first pick-up. Later Rod worked for Premium Beverage and at Bismarck Rental as a shop manager.

He married Ann Keller in 1984 and they had a son Weston, born November 20, 1984. Even though he enjoyed cars, snowmobiles and motorcycles, Rod’s passion for country living/ranching stayed in his blood. Rod purchased land west of Mandan, ND where his hobby farm consisted of horses and sheep. He also continued to help out neighboring ranchers Al and Mark Voigt. During this time, Rod was involved in Ranch Rodeo in team roping events.

Rod moved to Mina, SD in 1992 to work for G&T Gaming. It was at this time that he met the love of his life, Rosina Hoffman. They were married August 20, 1994. Later Rod worked for ABC seamless before starting his own construction company, Home Improvements, with partner Arlyn Johnson.

Rod purchased a small cottage on Mina Lake and rebuilt it into a home that he and Rose lived in for 30 years. They co-owned Montana’s Bar in Mina for 2 years.

Throughout his life, Rod was an avid hunter of upland game, deer, antelope and elk. He was also a very successful fisherman logging many hours in the boat with his wife Rose. Rod enjoyed gardening, canning and processing venison. Rod won first place at the 2019 Brown County Fair for his beef sticks. Additionally, Rod became a hobby vintner making and bottling his own wine. Rod enjoyed playing cards especially pinochle which he excelled at.

Grateful for having shared Rod’s life are his wife: Rose Wiedrich, Aberdeen; mother, Wilma Wiedrich; son, Weston (Brooke) Wiedrich; grandchildren Lily, Jaden, Elliot, Kinley, Garrett, Hadley, and Sawyer; brother Keith (Lucy) Wiedrich; brother-in-law Jerome (Ramona Cole) Hoffman; and mother-in-law Wilma Zimmerman.

Proceeding Rod in death is his father, George Wiedrich.