Rodney Arnold Eastby

Rodney Arnold Eastby, age 90, went home to be with the Lord on April 7, 2025.

Rod was born on April 29, 1934, to the late Ragnar (Ray) and Alice Eastby of Gatzke, MN.  Rod grew up working on his parents’ farm where they practiced their Norwegian heritage, speaking the language and embracing the culture.  He graduated from Thief River Falls high school in 1952.  After HS graduation he attended Bemidji College and St Cloud University where he earned a degree in Art and Physical Education.  Rod also served his country honorably in the Army from 1957-1959, stationed in Orleans, France.

Over the years, he embraced many diverse roles including working on a construction crew in Nome, AK, where he helped build a Lutheran church.  He also worked at Yellowstone National Park, where he served as a bellhop. He even modeled for Larson Boats.

After these adventures, his education and love for art and sports inspired him to become an art teacher and basketball coach in Little Falls, MN.  Rod was also a senior sales rep for Gaylord Brothers Library Furniture Co, serving the Ohio/Michigan territory for over 25 years.  In retirement Rod worked at Bennett’s and Rettig Brothers Furniture stores and enjoyed selling antiques at Jefferies Antique Gallery.

Rod married Margo (Fenno) Eastby of Crookston, MN in 1971 and they were married for 54 wonderful years raising their 3 children in Findlay, OH.  They have attended Trinity Lutheran Church for 50 years where he enjoyed the Mens’ Sunday school class, served on the evangelism committee, and played on the Dartball team. His favorite times were spent cheering on his grandchildren at their activities and events with Margo.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Beatrice (Jerome) Helstad.  Surviving family members are his loving wife, Margo (Fenno) Eastby, sons Matt (Julia) Eastby and Nick Eastby, and daughter Kirsten (Mike) Powers; adoring grandchildren are Alexandria, Andrew, Jocelyn, Jacob, Reed, Abbigail, Madison, Mallory, and Connor.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 12 at 1:30 PM with the visitation beginning at 12:00PM and lasting until 1:30PM. Hancock County Veteran’s Memorial Squad will provide military rites at the church. A light meal will be served immediately following the service.

Contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church are suggested in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com

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