Recently, we lost a brother-in-arms and former president: Rodney “Rod” Dickey. A big thanks to Brother Dave Roberts, Minn. ’54 for sharing this.
Rodney S. “Rod” Dickey, 85, of Edina, MN passed away Thursday, March 1, 2012. The memorial was held March 8, at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN.
Rod was born on January 9, 1927 in Cincinnati, OH to Clarence and Una Dickey. He grew up in Sioux Falls, SD. He is a graduate of Washington High School (Sioux Falls) and the University of Minnesota, where he served as President of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. Rod’s college years were interrupted by World War II, when he entered the Army. The war ended while he was en route to Okinawa. He served on General MacArthur’s staff in Manila and Tokyo.
On August 1, 1953, Rod married Margaret Ranseen. Their marriage was an example to all of love and commitment. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Jane, Rod’s career began with Travelers Insurance Company in Fairmont, MN, as Farm Loan Representative. He held a similar position with Northwestern Mutual in Sioux Falls, SD. The family moved to Storm Lake, IA, where they lived for 24 years. There, Rod served as President of the Federal Land Bank. In 1980, Rod and Margie moved to Minneapolis, where Rod returned to Travelers Insurance Company as head of the Farm Load Division until his retirement.
Rod loved all sports. He was an avid golfer and loved to watch football, baseball, basketball, and of course, golf. He was a man of great integrity and humility. He valued education and independence, stressing both while raising his family. He battled COPD and other medical challenges with grace and courage, while always maintaining his sense of humor and gratitude for a wonderful life.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William L. Dickey. Survivors, wife of 58 years, Margaret “Margie” Dickey of Edina, MN; daughters, Susan Leach (alan) of Fort Worth, TX and Jane Kestel (Jeff) of Storm Lake, IA; grandchildren, Jill Kestel of Omaha NE, Megan Kestel of Omaha, NE, and Alec Kestel of Ames, IA; nieces, Diane Carey of Leesburg, VA and Pam Micciche of Falls Church, VA.
