Rodney A. Menking
June 29, 1934 - June 8, 2015
Rodney Menking age 80, of Mitchell, South Dakota, formerly of Fremont
died Monday, June 8 in Mitchell
Rodney Arlen Menking was born June 29th, 1934. He was adopted by Dorothy and Rupert Menking and was raised in Blair, Nebraska. Besides enjoying sports, he had a flair for tap dance and boxing. He graduated from High School in 1953 and served as a clerk in the Korean War. After the war, Rodney attended Nebraska State College in Kearney where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education. His focus was Biology and Physical Education. While in college he was a three-year letterman in football. Upon graduation in 1960 he was employed at the Fremont Public schools, where his career spanned teaching junior high geology and coaching for 35 years. During in-service meetings in 1960, he pursued Janice E. Salmon and they wed on April 29th, 1961. Out of their union they had two children.
Rodney's most enjoyable moments were spent outdoors, he not only jogged and swam but also worked in various National Parks as a summer Seasonal Naturalist. His career in the Park Service included the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Guadalupe and Casas Grande National Monument. He was fondly called Ranger Rod.
Rodney was known for his love for Jesus, and deep faith. He was active in First Christian church where he taught Sunday school, served on the church board, was a deacon, and sang in the church choir. Later in life he and his wife attended the First Congregational church. He is survived by his wife Jan Menking (Mitchell, SD), daughter and husband, Renee and Tom Berg (Mitchell, SD), son and wife Scott Menking and Carmella Lieske (Matsue, Japan). Two grandchildren Collin and wife Amanda Berg (Tulsa, OK), and Leah Berg (Mitchell, SD).
The funeral will be 10am Saturday at the First Congregational Church, UCC in Fremont. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 3pm to 8pm with the family receiving friends from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Obituary Provided By:
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE 68025
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