Rodger L. Spidahl

Rodger L. Spidahl, 85 of Devils Lake formerly of Starkweather, ND passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016 at his home in the loving care of family, friends and Altru Hospice. Rodger Lewis Spidahl was born near Minnewaukan, North Dakota on April 2, 1931. He was the 7th of 8 children born to Otten Benjamin “Ben” and Thelma (Stras) Spidahl. He attended his first three years of school in Minnewaukan in a one-room rural school. In 1944, the family moved near Devils Lake, where Rodger continued his schooling at Devils Lake Central. In the fall of 1947, the Spidahl’s relocated to Starkweather, where he graduated from Starkweather High School in 1950. In November 1949 R.E.A. came, bringing electricity to almost every farm in the area. This brought many conveniences to rural life. In 1953 Rodger bought one of the first television sets in the neighborhood. Father, Ben Spidahl, passed away in 1952 at which time Rodger continued to farm with his mother. On July 28, 1957 Rodger married Viola Moos at Trinity Lutheran Church of Starkweather and continue living on the family farm. The family enjoyed many years of farm life. Beyond the growing of crops, they enjoyed gardening, raising a variety of different farm animals, days off were often spent fishing. Thursday was the usual day for a trip to Devils Lake delivering fresh farm eggs and buying groceries. Rodger enjoyed traveling, a good cup of coffee, a game of cards, watching westerns and good conversation. In 1998 Rodger and Viola moved to Devils Lake. Rodger continued to help his son Rick on the farm, especially during spring and fall’s work. Viola passed away December 6, 2003. Rodger was a member of Trinity Bergen Lutheran Church of Starkweather. He was also a past member of the Starkweather Booster Club, served on the Royal Township board, the Starkweather Shipping Association and the Advisory Board of the Ramsey County Extension Office. Rodger is survived by his children: Ronald (Jill) Spidahl, Fargo, ND, Rick Spidahl, Starkweather and Valerie (Joe) Melcer of Devils Lake; grandchildren: Tawny (Paul) Dahlen, West Fargo, ND, Jamie Spidahl and Derek Melcer both of Devils Lake; great grandchildren Aubrey and Avery Dahlen of West Fargo; brother Gordon (Adele) Spidahl, Dent, Minnesota; and special friend May Fleisher of Devils Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Viola; siblings Bernice Haugen, Jeanette Gregory, Luella Johnston, Mae Wetch, Benjamin “Bennie” Spidahl and Caroll Spidahl. Funeral Services for Rodger will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with Reverend Robert Buechler officiating. Burial will be in the Trinity-Bergen Cemetery, rural Starkweather at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Tuesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Lunch following service at the Ramsey County Event Center.