Kewaskum, Wi – In the morning of May 27, 2026, I entered the presence of the Lord I served and loved throughout my life.
I was born on January 19, 1954, in Eureka, South Dakota. I was made a child of God through Holy Baptism on February 21, 1954. I grew up in Zeeland, North Dakota, with my mom and two sisters. My father passed away when I was about to turn 6, and on my birthday, we buried him. This loss shaped my life deeply and taught me early the value of faith, family, and perseverance.
I was confirmed in the Christian faith on June 9, 1968, one of the many important days of my life.
I attended Northwestern Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, South Dakota, where I enjoyed choir, sports, friendships, and the lifelong bonds that came from those years. I treasured staying connected with classmates through reunions and friendships that endured throughout my life. Karen and I had the privilege of planning the last one in Manitowoc in 2024.
In 1977, I graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College and accepted my first Call to serve at St. Paul’s in Norfolk, Nebraska. During my six years there, I served in many roles, including teacher, band director, athletic director, coach, and principal. Though the work was demanding, those years brought many blessings and joyful memories.
On December 29, 1978, I married the love of my life, Karen (née Cudnohoske). Together, we were blessed with three daughters: Danielle, Cara, and Hope. Karen faithfully served beside me through every season of ministry, working as a school secretary and assistant while supporting our family with love, patience, and unwavering faith.
In 1983, I accepted a Call to serve at St. Lucas Lutheran School in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, where I joyfully served for fifteen years as an upper-grade teacher, principal, and coach. Kewaskum holds a special place for me, since two of my three daughters were raised there, and my wife was born and raised there as well.
I was privileged to teach so many students about the love of their Savior and assist them in their education. I remained in contact with many of them throughout the years, which was tremendously special to me.
Then, in 1998, I accepted a Call to serve at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, where I served as a staff minister for 22 years. During my ministry there, I served on various boards and ministries and was blessed to be involved in ministering to those in senior residences, to shut-ins, and in hospitals. I ministered through prison Bible studies at local correctional facilities, directed youth music and teen ministry, and participated in various other service groups within the congregation. I felt honored to walk alongside so many people through both joyful and difficult moments in their lives.
Music remained one of my greatest joys. I loved singing in choirs, singing at weddings and funerals, and sharing the gift of music with my family. I also enjoyed woodworking, hiking, biking, fishing, traveling, and gathering with the multitude of friends God blessed us with.
In 2020, Karen and I retired and moved to the Port Washington/Grafton area of Wisconsin. We became members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grafton, where I continued serving as an elder and remained active in visitation ministry. Karen and I also enjoyed singing in the choir together.
Following retirement, I truly enjoyed working part-time at Five Corners Dodge as a shuttle driver and parts driver. I made many great friends during my four years working there.
In January 2025, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Through this difficult journey, I was sustained by my faith, the love of my family, and the support of dear friends and church family. The support and prayers from all of you helped keep me fighting for as long as I could.
God sent me angels of mercy during the last year and five months of my life. Special thanks to Dr. Mandana Kamgar and PA Mary Beth Holden at Froedtert Cancer Center for their utmost care and for using their God-given gifts to keep me with my loving family a little longer. To the 8th floor CFAC team: thank you for the patience, kindness, compassion, and mercy you showed me and my family every day during my 13-day stay with you. My family will be forever grateful.
Those I leave behind who are mourning me deeply are my loving wife, Karen; my three daughters, Danielle (Jon McClure), Cara (Todd) Ziesemer, and Hope (Nathan) Friedenfels; my grandchildren, Cameron (Kimberlyn) Hachtel, Madelyn and Mason Ziesemer, and Caysen Friedenfels; and my great-grandchild, Joseph Rodney Hachtel. I thank my dear sisters, Margo (Chuck) Schwehr and Julie Dockter, for flying in to say goodbye to me. I had great visits recently from my brothers and sisters in law: Rick Cudnohoske, David (Sherri) Cudnohoske, Dale (Lori Pritzl) Cudnohoske, and Jeanne (Pastor Earle) Treptow. All of my nieces and nephews: I hope you know what a true blessing in my life you have been to me. My nieces and nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, have been a true blessing in my life.
Those who greeted me at the gates of heaven this morning were my parents, Adam and Irene Bollinger; my father- and mother-in-law, Wally and Jeanette Cudnohoske; my brother-in-law, Kevin Dockter; and my sister-in-law, Karen Cudnohoske.
Please join us for my Christian Victory service. You can find all the details listed below. Make sure to stay for lunch afterward, because you all know talking (and eating) was one of my favorite parts of a funeral!
Above all, I thank God for the countless blessings He gave me throughout my life: the privilege of ministry, the joy of music, the gift of friendship, and, most especially, my beloved wife, daughters, grandchildren, and family. My prayer is that those I loved will continue walking in faith, serving others with kindness, and trusting in God’s promises. What a blessing it was to spend my years sharing God’s Word, encouraging others in faith, and walking beside so many through life’s joys and sorrows. Now the promises I spoke about for so many years have become reality for me. I am at peace in the arms of my Savior.
VISITATION: Rodney’s family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 1420 Parkview Drive, Kewaskum, WI 53040.
SERVICE:Â A Funeral Service in remembrance of Rodney will take place at 12:00 Noon on Thursday at St. Lucas with Pastor Jonathan Fischer and Pastor Timothy Henning presiding. A graveside service and burial will be at Lutheran Memorial Park in Kewaskum.
The service will be livestream by St. Lucas Lutheran Church (YouTube link).
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Rod’s arrangements.
