Rodney 'Rod' L. VanQuekelberg

On Dec.14, 2019, Rod passed in to heaven surrounded by his loving family.

Rod was one of four children born to Charles and Marvel VanQuekelberg. He joined brother Laverne on June 29, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The family later welcomed a brother Terry, and a sister Betty. Rod graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1965. Rod was joined the Army in 1966 and served two tours in Vietnam. He was proud to have served his country.

Rod moved back and forth between Minnesota and Montana and finally settled in the Flathead Valley in 1978. He worked for the BNSF railroad in track maintenance until his retirement.

Rod was known for his smart aleck comments, and enjoyed razzing his family and friends. He was religious about his lottery tickets, never missing a week (We bought them for you one last time, old man!). He also enjoyed hunting, especially with his grandson Noah.

Rod was the loving father to his children, Marcy and Jay; loving grandfather to Amanda, Allison, Jolene and Noah, and great-grandfather to Audree.

Rod was preceded in death by his father Charles, and brother Terry.

He is survived by mother, Marvel Van-Quekelberg, of Grand Rapids, brother Laverne (Joanne) VanQuekelberg of Coville, Washington, sister Betty (John) Bartz of Pengilly, Minnesota, daughter Marcy Otten of Kalispell, son Jay (Dara) VanQuekelberg of Bigfork, grandchildren Amanda Otten, Allison Otten, Jolene (Brent) Perry and Noah VanQuekelberg, and great-grandchild Audree Perry.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.