Rodney “Rod” Neslund passed away peacefully at his home in Toston, MT with his daughter Sarah at his side on the evening of November 12, 2016 after a 3-year battle with cancer. Rod was 77 years old.
Rod was born at home on April 10, 1939 in Bagley, Minnesota. He was the 4th child of John and Clara Neslund. On October 9, 1956 at the age of 17, Rod enlisted with the Marines at Camp Pendleton. He was an active service member of Company B 1st Reconnaissance Battalion 1st Marine Division. While stationed in Japan, he completed his high school GED. He was honorably discharged from active duty on October 9th, 1959 and then transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve.
In the mid 60’s, Rod returned to Minnesota, was married, and had 3 children, Sarah, Jarrod, and Maia, whom he loved more than life itself. Rod started Neslund Home Design in Becker, and there, he built a home for his family.
It was his zest for life and a pure desire for adventure that sparked Rod’s interest in flight. In the mid-1980s Rod acquired his private pilot’s license and soon thereafter, he bought a plane of his own. He followed his passion for flying throughout his life, and truly savored the freedom that came with it. During this time, Rod became a member of a flying club and a skydiving club where he logged over 100 jumps.
Those who came to know Rod know about his passion for nature and wilderness, coupled with the unparalleled compassion for animals big and small. His compassion for all living creatures, particularly his dogs, and he has a colorful history of adopting and rehabilitating injured and abandoned animals.
Rod has contributed greatly to the green landscapes of most areas in which he has resided, almost as a way to return the favor to nature’s ever-present gift to humanity, by planting hundreds and hundreds of trees. In 1990, Rod moved to Redding, California area where he continued and expanded Neslund Home Design throughout Northern California. In 1995 Rod relocated to Montana where his dream of building a home with a private airstrip and hangar came to life. Once again, he planted hundreds of his beloved trees making his home in Toston one of the most peaceful places on this earth.
Rod is preceded in death by his parents, John and Clara Neslund of Clearbrook MN, his older brother Curtis Peterson of Anaconda, MT, niece and nephew Lori Peterson and Shane Eck, and son Jarrod Neslund. He is survived by his daughters Sarah Neslund of Townsend MT, and Maia Nelsund of Enterprise, AL, and by his grandchildren Zoe and Sienna Everett, Jack and Alivia Jolly, by his sisters, Bernice Shelquist of Monticello, MN, Janet Bakke of Clearbrook MN, Susan Eck of Bagley MN and brother Charles Neslund of FL, and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to St Peters hospital of Helena MT for all their kindness and support and to all our family and friends. A graveside service was held at Fort Harrison on November 17, 2016.
Dianne Bostwick says
Praying for you and your family!!!! I love you!!!
Patsy Sexton says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!! Sexton
Christy McCullough says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Sarah. God Bless.
Brian &Christy McCullough
Josh & Shannon Hannagan says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the good Lord wrap his arms around you and provide comfort and peace.
Shelly Jacobson ( Flowers ) says
Sarah, thinking of you & your family as you go through this very difficult time.? I pray God be with you all & give you strength in the coimg days ahead.
Sherry Foth says
Sarah, Zoe, and Cienna,
Your wonderful Papa and Grandpa left a huge hole in your hearts with his passing, and a million wonderful memories for you to cherish. We are praying for you and love you. Dennis and Sherry
Courtney baker says
Sarah and family,
Your dad was a true mountain man. His spirit, I can still feel. I remember one time he took me on a hike when I was visiting Montana. On our way back we got caught up in a cattle stampede! He just drove faster and laughed and laughed and laughed. Please know that my thoughts are with you and I am sending you all my love. -Courtney
Karen Sosnoski says
Thinking of Sarah and Maia and families, sending love. I’m sure your father was/is proud of both of you. So sorry for all who were touched by this loss.
Maia says
My heart is saddened as I sit here and recall the memories of the most sincere, strongest, trustworthy, understanding, compassionate, daring, honest, self-sufficient, independent, courageous and loving man of whom I’ve ever had the privilege to have in my life, my father. Forever will you be loved by all. “Waiting.”
Tangi Shavlik says
Lifting you and your family up in my prayers, Sarah. Praying for God to bring you peace and comfort. Love you Sarah.