Rodney Alan Mott (Rod), passed away peacefully on April 2, 2020, in Shell Lake, WI.

Rod was born on May 10, 1934, at home in Trade Lake, WI, to Clifford Mott and Nina (Johnson) Mott. Rod graduated from Frederic, WI, High School in 1952, where he acquired the nickname "Nails" while playing on the H.S. football team. After graduation, Rod enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served during the Korean War, and was stationed for 3 years in Germany, and in his leisure Rod enjoyed playing football with the Air Force team.

Upon release from the USAF, Rod entered college in River Falls, WI, where he graduated with a degree in Business in 1964. He began working for Minnesota Mutual Insurance Company and was eventually transferred to Dallas, TX, where he spent 14 years working for that company. In 1969, Rod married Doreen, an airline stewardess, and they both quit their jobs, bought a motor home and traveled the country. While in Dallas, Rod became friends with the owner of a BBQ restaurant, named Gaucho, and they served the Dallas Cowboys weekly on the field.

After Rod and Doreen divorced, Rod moved back to Minnesota, where he opened a BBQ restaurant downstairs at the Rock Garden Lounge, Rock Creek, MN, owned by family. Rod worked in many sales positions prior to his retirement in Siren, WI. While in Siren, Rod was active as commander at the VFW in Lewis, WI, and also provided transportation for many veterans from Burnett County to the VA Hospitals in the Twin Cities or Twin Ports, WI, and Duluth, MN, areas.

Rod was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Mott; mother, Nina Dickey; step-father, Philip Dickey; infant brother, Thomas Mott; brothers, Lowell Mott, Dennis Mott and Gerald Mott; sister, Ramona Schmoll; and brother-in-law, Wally Schmoll.

He is survived by his sisters, Maxine (Jim) Nolby and Dianne (Dick) Kuzel; sisters-in-law, Jennie Mott and Gloria Mott; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Rod will always be remembered for his good sense of humor and close family ties. He will be greatly missed by all.

A Celebration of Life is currently pending. Interment will be held at Union Cemetery in Trade Lake Township.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster.

Last Update: Apr 05, 2020 12:30 pm CDT