Rodney Ray Eklund, one of the kindest and hardest working guys Amery has ever known, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at the age of 77. 

Rodney was born October 8, 1948, to Russell and Augusta Eklund. His early years were spent at their family home on Broadway Avenue with Russell (Daddy), Augusta (Mama) and his brother, Jerry. Rodney spent countless hours helping Daddy, who taught him his amazing work ethic, learning to wash windows, mop floors, shovel snow, mow lawns, and clean carpets. There are few windows or sidewalks in Amery that have not been touched by Rodney. He and Daddy were seldom apart, whether working or having fun fishing and they had special times together with friends at Camp Douglas for deer hunting.

Mama had Rodney’s heart and was his guide for the gentler parts of life, teaching him to garden and swim in South Twin and how to be a true gentleman. He opened doors for ladies and offered to share whatever he had at the time, usually cookies and coffee from his giant (albeit sticky) Thermos.

Phyllis Knutson was a devoted friend and Rodney’s caretaker for more than 20 years. After helping him to move to his own apartment at Amery Hi-Rise, their connection enabled them to have years of conversations in Rodney’s special language as they shared time on short car trips to appointments and shopping. She knew Rodney as a kind, intelligent man who read books and newspapers, understanding everything folks said to him, and she loved him dearly.

When health concerns limited Phyllis’ ability to drive, Kori Nelson gratefully accepted the offer to become Rodney’s new friend and caregiver. Being an Amery native, Kori knew Rodney and his impact on the community and felt blessed that he welcomed her into his life. Their bond and friendship strengthened as they shared everyday activities, picnics, laughter and tough times together. No longer being able to ride his bike and then having to move to a nursing home were especially hard for Rodney, but he accepted the changes with grace and his usual positive outlook.

Rodney’s love of God was at his core, and First Lutheran and New Life Community Church were staples for Sunday mornings. His cross necklace (thank you, Joe) was always a part of his daily, green wardrobe, usually accompanied by his bead necklaces. 

Thank you to the merchants of Amery for supporting Rodney in his life’s work. Grateful appreciation to the Amery Police Department, Dr. Kevin Kline and Kathy Rasmussen for their dedication to his well-being. Blessings to Scott Peters and the residents of the Hi-Rise for their years of kindness to Rodney, and last, but certainly not least, heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at Willow Ridge Healthcare who helped him live his final years with dignity and friendship.

In an Amery Free Press article celebrating Rodney’s 75th birthday, then Editor April Ziemer wrote that “every community has a person who causes others to smile when they see him devoting the best of themselves.” Rodney was blessed to have been born in a community that returned the favor. 

Memorial donations may be directed to First Lutheran Church or New Life Community Church.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 8, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Amery, Wisconsin with a visitation one hour prior. Those attending are encouraged to wear Rodney’s favorite color, green. After the service, Rodney’s favorite, coffee and cookies, will be served. Interment will follow at the Amery Cemetery.

Last Update: May 05, 2026 9:15 am CDT