Rodney Vietor

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Rodney G. Vietor, 71, of Dell Rapids passed away Monday, January 21, 2013 in Weslaco, Texas.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Friday, January 25, 2013 at the Reformed Church, Dell Rapids. Public visitation will begin at 6:00 PM Thursday at the Reformed Church with a Time of Sharing at 7:30 PM. A private burial will be in the Chancellor Reformed Cemetery, Chancellor.

Rodney Gene Vietor was born March 14, 1941 to Jakob and Genevieve Vietor. He graduated from Chancellor High School where he excelled in basketball earning him a scholarship at Sioux Falls College. USF was a positive influence and friendships were formed that lasted a lifetime.

Rod married Karen Rippentrop July 3, 1963 and together they raised four children: Grant, Genell, Julie, and Greg. They loved to travel with their children, taking them to a different state every summer, being sure not to miss any major baseball fields.

He taught at the Dell Rapids Public School for 37 years, coached for 31 years, and served as Athletic Director for 25 years. Rod always enjoyed working with the youth. In the summers he enjoyed slow pitch softball and painting houses with Jim Holbeck.

Rod’s greatest joy was watching his children and grandchildren grow and become involved in many different activities; his grandchildren are: Moriah, Isaac, Christian Vietor; Nicholas, Jordan, Gabrielle, Hannah Schuh; Jenna, Ryan Fuglsang; Madeline, Jacob, Rachael Vietor.

A few other accomplishments in Rod’s life were: 23 years on the Dell Rapids Reformed Church Board. 6 years as Board Member for Inspiration Hills. 3 years as a Board Member of Center of Hope Mission. 11 years he was with the M2 program at the SD State Penitentiary, visiting inmates and a member of the University of Sioux Falls Foundation Board. Rod and Karen organized clinics to get others to volunteer to be stem cell donors to battle cancer. He loved his garden and giving away the produce of God’s Garden.

Rod was one of God’s most faithful servants. His favorite verse comes from Philippians 4:13…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Blessed be the memory of Rod Vietor.

Family requests that memorials contributions be made to the University of Sioux Falls Scholarship Fund in Rod’s name.