Rodney MacIver

Rodney George MacIver was born May 4, 1927 in Nora Township, MN the son of John and Catherine (Sutherland) MacIver. Rodney attended school in district 74 and later attended the Morris Agricultural College. Rodney began working at the creamery in Farwell. On March 14, 1953 Rodney was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Bennett. The couple made their home in Farwell. Shortly after their marriage Rodney entered the United States Army where he served at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. Following his discharge the couple returned to Farwell where they were blessed with two children, Mitchell and Dale. Rodney drove truck for the Farwell creamery. He also operated his own trucking service, hauling grain for local farmers. For about twelve years Rodney added school bus driving to his busy driving schedule. In 1977 Rodney stepped down from driving due to multiple sclerosis. He continued keeping busy by helping out at Stan Norlien?s Standard Station in Alexandria. Rodney served his community as a member of the Farwell church council and the Farwell city council. Rodney was active in the MS Society. Rodney enjoyed hunting and going bowling in his earlier years. He enjoyed softball and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins. Rodney enjoyed doing lawn work and blowing snow. He enjoyed time spent with the neighborhood children and especially with his grandchildren. Playing cards was a serious occupation for Rodney. He enjoyed playing and by his family?s accounting he won considerably more than he lost. He was a good card player. On Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Rodney died at the age of eighty years. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Leonard, Lionel, Howard and Charles MacIver; and three sisters, Katherine Larson, Violet Huss and Virginia Johnson. Rodney was survived by his wife, Barbara MacIver of Alexandria; two sons, Mitchell and wife, Diane MacIver, of Ramsey, MN and Dale and wife, Judy MacIver, of Corcoran, MN; four grandchildren, Brady, Erica, Meagan and Brooke MacIver; two sisters, Jeanette Anderson of St. Cloud, MN and DeLoris Swenson of Big Lake, MN; many nieces and nephews; and several sisters-in-law. A funeral service was held Monday, March 24, 2008 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Rev. Mark Astrup officiated. Becky Worley and Kim Byrne provided music. Interment followed in the Farwell Cemetery. Casket bearers included Scott Bennett, Tim Bennett, Kevin Swenson, Tim Johnson, Tom Welle, Scott Norlien and Darrel Holverson. Honorary casket bearers included Warren Thompson, Stan Norlien, Dean Koenecke, Arley Norlien, Karl Knutson, Robert Olson and Donny Olson. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.