Rodney Van't Hof

Rodney was born on April 10, 1956, in Luverne, Minnesota to Cornelius and Frances (Ahlers) Van’t Hof. At age 8, Rodney then moved with the family to Milaca where he lived and worked diligently on the family farm.

In 1977, Rodney proudly served his country as a mechanic in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1981. He could fix anything if given the proper amount of time.

Rodney then met Brenda Ekstrom of Princeton and they were married April 9, 1983. Rodney continued to work on the family farm while working at Crystal Cabinets in Princeton and helping other farmers around the Milaca area. Rodney and Brenda raised five children together in Milaca and once their children moved away, they moved to Foreston.

Regardless of what job he did, Rodney worked hard until the job was done. Along with telling some of the best dad jokes, he would say “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right the first time.” Rodney also loved to play cribbage, various card games, shake dice and make his Sunday rounds to visit family and friends.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Brenda (Ekstrom); his children, Justin and Kristie (Niehaus) Ekstrom, Amanda (Van’t Hof) and Rob Bardos, Casey and Kaydi (Salgren) Van’t Hof, Tony Van’t Hof and Jon Van’t Hof; brothers and sisters, Calvin Van’t Hof, Carol (Steve) Voss, Rosie (Shelly) Pieper and Ronald Van’t Hof. Rodney is also survived by his grandchildren, Harper and Hattie Ekstrom, Leddy, Sullivan, Macy and Allison Van’t Hof, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Milaca Legion (160 2nd St. SE, Milaca, MN 56353) from 3pm-6pm. Food will be provided.

Burial with full military honors for Rodney will be at a later date in Fort Ripley, Little Falls, Minnesota.