Rodney Nielsen

Rodney Nielsen, of Watson, died Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 88,

Memorial services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Watson Lutheran Church in Watson. Rev. Michelle Rowell will officiate and interment will be Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Montevideo.

Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the service.

Rodney Wayne Nielsen was born on August 1, 1938, to Harold and Mabel (Chamley) Nielsen in Trent, SD. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith.   At the age of three, his family moved to the Big Bend area, where he attended country school. He graduated from Milan High School with the Class of 1956. 

Rodney began his career as a heavy equipment operator, first in Silver Bay and later with Cluver Construction and Kenneth Thompson and Sons in Cottonwood. In 1978, he became the manager of Rod's Standard Station. He later joined Western Coop Transport in 1988, where he worked as a diesel mechanic until his retirement. Never one to stay idle, Rodney continued working afterward for Alan Peterson at his salvage yard.

Rod was a farm boy at heart. Although he left the farm at 18, the farm never really left him. He carried the values he learned there—hard work, honesty, and determination—throughout his life. He never seemed to mind rolling up his sleeves, and he probably thought there wasn't much that couldn't be fixed with a little hard work and common sense. Rod was known as a loyal, dependable worker and someone you could always count on to get the job done. Many people who had the privilege of working with him have said he taught them so much. He was always willing to share what he knew, although he might have teased you a little first if you asked a question he thought you should already know! His quiet humor, steady presence, and willingness to help made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

On April 2, 1960, Rodney married Diane Dilley in Montevideo, and together they welcomed three children: Kim, Marci, and Wayne. He married Madeline Wik in 1990 in Milbank, SD and welcomed two daughters Deenna and Jessica.

Rod never met a joke or a good one-liner he couldn't remember. He had a knack for slipping them into conversations at just the right moment, usually bringing smiles, laughter, and maybe even a groan or two. One of his favorite daily traditions was coffee time at the Cenex Plaza, where he enjoyed visiting with lifelong friends and anyone else who happened to stop by. Whether you came for the coffee or the conversation, Rod had a way of making everyone feel welcome and leaving them with a laugh.

Rodney found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, working on puzzles, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins. A gifted storyteller, he had a way of bringing people together with his stories and treasured every opportunity to visit with family and friends. He especially valued the lifelong friendships he shared with his Milan classmates. Rodney also enjoyed the companionship of his beloved dogs and cats.

Above all, Rodney's greatest joy was his family. He cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, taking great pride in attending their activities and celebrating their accomplishments. The time he shared with them created lasting memories that will be treasured for generations.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Mady; children: Kim Marie Chappell, Naples, Fl, Wayne Michael (Darcy) Nielsen, Glenwood, MN, Deenna (Dan) Moe, Watson, MN, Jessica Anspach, Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren: Cameron (Nicole) Ballard, Ashley Hollywood, Michael (Brooke) Nielsen, Tyler (Becca) Nielsen, Luke Nielsen; great-grandchildren: Penelope, Leon, Ryder, Liam, Olivia, Wyatt, Grayson, Josephine, ; sisters: Cheryl Wilson, Vancouver, WA, Janet Murphy, Salem, OR; sister-in-law, Cheryl Flinn; brother-in-law , Brad (Janis) Wik; and numerous friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marci Lynn Nielsen; brother, Virgil Nielsen; brothers-in-law: Bernie Bills, Eldo Murphy and Donald Flinn.