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Darwin Rodacker
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Darwin F. Rodacker, age 82, of Carrington, ND, died peacefully on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at Benedictine Living Center, Garrison, ND. Darwin was born to Fredrick and Alvina (Stolp) Rodacker on July 2, 1934, in rural Bowdon, ND. He grew up and attended school in Bowdon, graduating in 1953. One of his greatest joys was recounting the many memories he had of playing basketball as a beloved Bowdon Beaver! Darwin was drafted in to the Army and served in the Korean War in 1958, where he served his country as a medic. After returning to North Dakota, he would settle in Carrington. Darwin married Donna (Lyman) Rodacker, and they would welcome two children, Karen and Jason. Darwin would work many various jobs throughout his life including, threshing, road construction, and building. Yet, overall, his true passion was a builder. He went on to start his own company, Rodacker Construction, in 1970. He would build many residential homes in the Carrington area before he retired. Darwin married Arlene (Nysted) Rodacker on December 20, 1975, joining their growing families and welcoming Grant, Craig, Timothy and Brenda Lee. Together they were blessed with 40 years of marriage. Darwin was a charismatic gentleman who could always be counted on for a good laugh. He enjoyed working with his hands and tinkering in his wood shop. In the summer, he was likely to be found tending his large garden or just enjoying the outdoors. He loved to watch his grandchildren play sports, and he was never shy about bragging about all of them. Most Saturdays he could be found playing cards. He was always up for a great game of Pinochle. He is survived by his wife Arlene, his children: Karen (Chad) Harrington, Fargo, Jason Rodacker, Fargo, Brenda (Jess) Bush, New Rockford, Grant Stegmeier, Aberdeen, SD, Craig (Cindy) Stegmeier, Glendale, AZ; eight grandchildren; two brothers Virgil (Dorothy) Rodacker, Bakersfield, CA, Winston Dennis (Peggy) Rodacker, Round Lake, WI; one sister Donna (Lewis) Johnson, Bowdon; and one sister-in-law Joan Rodacker. Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; son Timothy Stegmeier; brother Howard Rodacker; one sister-in-law Darlene.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to: Carrington Fire Dept., local Veterans Affairs, Disabled Veterans, or Charity of your choice.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington, ND DATE AND TIME: Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 11:00AM BURIAL Carrington Cemetery
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Posted Condolences:
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Name: Jane Fredrickson
Date: 1-3-2017
Message: We had a nice visit with Darwin. He was really peaceful. I consider him a very good friend. He always had time to visit with you no matter where you were. I told him that Darwin was the best carpenter we had here in Carrington, and Darwin said, "We have to discuss that, Jimmy" (he always called me Jimmy). From a fellow Veteran, I hope to see you in the future, Pucky. You will be missed. God's speed - Jimmy. We did a memorial for Pucky at the Carrington cemetery.
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Name: Dave Horejsi
Date: 12/23/16
Message: I helped Darwin remodel our kitchen back in the mid 1980's great guy to work, he had a great sense of humor. Sorry for your loss***
Name: Toni Waliser Smith
Date: 12-23-2016
Message: Arlene, so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you peace and comfort. Miss you my friend and classmate. Prayers for you and your family.
Toni
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Name: Janette Ryan
Date: 12-21-2016
Message: I was so saddened to hear of Darwin's passing. He was such a great guy and will be so missed by many. My condolences to all of you.
Janette
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Name: James White
Date: 12-21-16
Message: So sorry for your loss. I used to play basketball for a team that played against his team back in the early 50s. We used to spend time together at Rainbow Gardens. He was a great person and a great player.
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