Harold Duane Rodning

Harold Rodning, age 95 of rural Nicollet, passed away on January 11, 2026 at the Benedictine Living Center surrounded by his family. He lived a remarkable life and was a lifelong member of his beloved Norseland Community in rural Nicollet County.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23 at Norseland Lutheran Church. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22 and one hour prior to the service, both at Norseland Lutheran Church. Burial to follow at the church cemetery. Pastor Kyle Madson will officiate.

Harold was born January 20, 1930 in Nicollet County to Clarence and Cora (Knutson) Rodning. He attended country schools and graduated from Gaylord High School. On August 24, 1951 he was united in marriage to Louise Bjorklund. They lived in rural Nicollet where they farmed and raised eight children. In addition to farming, he sold Dekalb Seed, worked for the New Sweden Creamery and grew and harvested sweet corn and peas for the Green Giant Company.

He was a member of the Norseland Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He served on the New Sweden Township Board, performed with the Riverblenders Chorus of Mankato, was a member of the Sons of Norway, helped in the renovation of District 6 Schoolhouse along with volunteering for numerous charitable organizations within his community. Harold had a passionate love of music, played four different instruments and sang in the church choir. He had a beautiful tenor voice and was asked to sing at many weddings, funerals and other events for friends, family members and acquaintances.

Harold was blessed with eight children, 13 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. He loved his wife and children, and he was so proud of each and every member of his family. This love extended to his many brothers and sisters, his nieces and nephews and all other family members. When Louise’s health declined, he would visit her twice daily in the nursing home to help with her care, dine with her, hold her hand and sing to her. He was a humble man and didn’t tell others how to live; instead he led by example. He was a wonderful husband, father, friend and respected member of the community in which he lived.

Left to remember Harold are his children: David, Steven, son-in-law, Mike Powers, Barb Endrud, James (Michelle), Susan (John) Franzen, Paul (Gayla) and John (Patrick); 13 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; sister: Kristie (Jim), brothers: Dennis (Jan), Roger (Barb), Bob (Mary) sister-in-law: Eunice Hildebrandt, brother-in-law: Harold Bjorklund (Donna). He was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence and Cora Rodning, daughter, Patty Powers, son-in-law, Lowell Endrud; sisters: Corrine, Carolyn, Dorothy and Betty; brothers: Warren, Tom and Kenneth.

The family is grateful for the caregivers and support staff at the Benedictine Living Center, St. Croix Hospice and the many family members and friends who stood by his side throughout his life.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials to be given to Norseland Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice of a charitable organization.