Dickey, Rodney S. (1927-2012)

DICKEY, RANSEEN, LEACH, KESTEL, CAREY, MICCICHE

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 3/27/2012 at 12:17:48

Rodney S. Dickey
January 9, 1927 - March 1, 2012

Rodney S. Dickey, 85, of Edina, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2012.

Rod was born on January 9, 1927, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Clarence and Una Dickey. He grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and graduated from Washington High School (Sioux Falls) and then from 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. Afterwards, he served on General MacArthur's staff in Manila and Tokyo.

On August 1, 1953, Rod married Margaret Ranseen. Blessed with two daughters, Susan and Jane, their marriage served as an example to all of love and commitment.

Rod's career began with Travelers Insurance Company in Fairmont, Minnesota, as a Farm Loan Representative. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he held a similar position with Northwestern Mutual. Eventually, the family moved to Storm Lake where they lived for twenty-four years. There, Rod served as President of the Federal Land Bank. While in Storm Lake, he also served on the City Council, the Library Board, the Park Board, and many other community organizations. In 1980, Rod and Margie moved to Minneapolis where Rod returned to Travelers Insurance Company as head of the Farm Loan Division until his retirement.

An avid golfer, Rod loved watching all sports including football, baseball, basketball, and of course golf. His favorite teams were the Gophers, Vikings, Twins, and Reds.

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 include his wife of fifty-eight years, Margaret (Margie) Dickey, of Edina, Minnesota; his daughters, Susan Leach (Alan), of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jane Kestel (Jeff), of Storm Lake; his grandchildren: Jill and Megan Kestel, of Omaha, Nebraska, Alec Kestel, of Ames, Nieces Diane Carey, of Leesburg, Virginia, and Pam Micciche, of Falls Church, Virginia.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis. Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials preferred to the radio ministry of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church.

© Copyright 2012, Storm Lake Pilot Tribune

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