Rodney C. Kirsch, age 59, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, May 5, 2011 at his home.

Rodney was born November 16, 1951 in Mahnomen. He was lovingly raised by his aunt and uncle, Angie and Raymond Barten, on a farm near Mahnomen. As a young man he worked at the Wild Rice Garage in Mahnomen as well as farmed with his uncle. On November 12, 1971, Rodney was united in marriage to Deb Strandemo and was blessed with three children: Michael, Timothy & Kelly. The couple lived for a time in West Fargo, ND, where Rodney worked as a mechanic. In 1973, they moved back to Mahnomen and Rodney operated his uncle's dairy farm. They then moved to Moorhead, MN, for several years, lived in Bemidji, MN for a short time, and returned back to Moorhead. Rodney was employed with Ryder for many years, working in both Moorhead and Breckenridge as a mechanic and supervisor. In August of 1986, Rodney married Cynthia Houle in Moorhead. Rodney and Cynthia returned to the Mahnomen community in 1987 where he began doing auto repair locally. Together they had a son, Kyle, in 1990, and Cynthia died suddenly in 1994. While raising Kyle, Rodney continued to work as a mechanic. He also drove truck for Winter Truck Line, hauled beets with his brother, helped Chad Geray with harvest, and most recently worked for Trnka Auto.

Rodney was a "Jack of all trades" and loved to tinker with things. He enjoyed working in the garden and sharing produce with family and friends. In earlier years, Rodney also enjoyed fishing and had hoped to get out to the lake again soon.

Rodney is survived by three sons: Michael (Lisa) Kirsch of Lake Park, MN, Timothy (Maghan) Kirsch of Clinton, MN, and Kyle Kirsch of Mahnomen; one daughter, Kelly (Jeff) Smith of Nashwauk, MN; three grandchildren: McKailee Kirsch and Bryce and Brenden Smith; three brothers: Kenny (Sharon) of Mahnomen, Richard (Millie) of Waubun, and Dave (Linda) of Detroit Lakes, MN; three sisters: Mary (Richard) Simon of Brainerd, Becky Curfman of Montevideo, MN, and Carol Brytn of Fergus Falls, MN; many nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and great nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; aunt and uncle: Angie and Raymond Barten; two brothers, John and Robert; and his wife, Cynthia.

VVisitation was held on Monday, May 9, 2011 starting at 2:00 pm followed by a service led by Deacon Nick Revier at 3:30 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers were his grandchildren: McKailee Kirsch, Bryce & Brenden Smith.

Burial was at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN.