Chinook, MT

Rodney M. Sodergren. 92, passed away Monday, February 22, 2016 at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook of natural causes. Per Rod's wishes, no services will be held.

Rod was born February 20, 1924 in Lake Crystal, MN, to Henry and Ethel (Frances) Sodergren, the youngest of four children. His family moved to Montana where he graduated from High School in Cut Bank. In Cut Bank, he met Mary Lee Bailey. They were married in Choteau, MT and soon moved to Seattle, WA. where he worked for Boing. Their daughter, Ellen Lee, was born during their time in Seattle. In 1945, the family moved to Cut Bank where Rod started a long career with Texaco. A son, David R. Sodergren was born soon after the move to Montana. After 12 years in Cut Bank, Rod and his family moved to Chinook, MT, which would be home for the rest of his life.

In Chinook, Rod continued his career with Texaco where he worked in the oil fields south of town. He loved the outdoors and would frequently go fishing for an hour or two before his drive home from work. In the evenings, he would often tie flies for another day's fishing.

Rod was a man of many hobbies and interests. In addition to fishing, he loved camping, gardening, woodworking and reading. Many people knew of the intricate and detailed model train set he spent many years perfecting. He was featured in the Great Falls Tribune several times as well as the local newspaper for this accomplishment. He gave tours of his train and the village built around it to hundreds of people, so many and from so many started across the country, that he kept a guest book for visitors to sign!

Rod was very generous with his time and the things he created. He was a wonderful father who spent much of his time playing with his children and later, his grandchildren. The grandkids would have to let all the neighborhood kids play with stilts, jigsaw puzzles, the Barbie doll furniture, the "Snowboat" and the "Flying Saucer" because Rod made the best toys and was the cool Grandpa!

Rod retired from Texaco in 1987, after a 42 year career. He had a long retirement filled with activities and family. He was very physically fit and rode his bike 8 miles every day the weather allowed. He loved family card games, activities at the Senior Citizens' Center and to share stories of his life. He could also, from his years of reading, tell you everything about anything!

Rod was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his son David, his parents, and two sisters: Francilu Hansen and Bernita Hanson.

He is survived by his daughter, Ellen (Jerry) Pyette, his sister, Virginia Busroe, grandchildren Elizabeth (Eric) Holmes, Christine (Tim) Thackeray, and Jay (Dana) Pyette, 7 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook. Condolences for Rod's family can be left at edwardsfuneralhomemt.com.

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