Harry J. Rodenberg, Jr. passed away October 19, 2020, at the Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, Montana where he resided for over five years while receiving much love and care from the staff.
Harry was born September 26, 1923, in Manhattan, Montana to Harry Sr. and Edna Rodenberg. He was joined by a sister, Charlotte, in 1932. After graduating in 1941 from Manhattan High School, he enrolled at Montana State College in Industrial Engineering. He entered the Army Air Corps for the next two years and after the war, he returned to Montana State graduating in 1948 with a degree in Accounting.
In September 1947, Harry and Mary Ann O’Connell were married in Bozeman, Montana. From this union John, Gail and Jim were born. They moved to Wolf Point to start their beekeeping operation, Honeyland, Inc. and raise their family.
Over the years Harry served as President of the Montana State Beekeepers, Vice President of the American Beekeeping Federation, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Sioux Honey Association for 25 years. He was the first chairperson of the National Honey Board in 1987. He represented the honey industry at international food fairs in England and Japan. As an avid pilot over the years, he received “The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award” for over 50 years of flying without an accident. One special trip as a pilot was an air rally flight in Canada where his skill earned him the Governor’s Cup. He also served on the Montana Agriculture Loan Committee, a program initiated during Governor Schwinden’s tenure.
He is remembered for his love and passion for everything good, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his work with the honeybees, flying his airplane with Jim and many friends; hunting and fishing, maintaining his wonderful garden with his wife, Mary Ann; extensive travels internationally and domestically with family and friends; and enjoying the beauty of his vacation home in the Gallatin Canyon. He is remembered as a soft-spoken gentleman with an infectious smile.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Ann, his parents Harry Sr. and Edna, his sister Charlotte McCahill, his daughter-in-law, Allene Rodenberg, and his brothers-in-law Jim O’Connell and Charles Perry McCahill.
He is survived by his children John of Puyallup, WA; Gail (Jerry) Dugan of Shoreline, WA; and Jim (Shelley) of Wolf Point. He has four grandchildren Ryan (Michelle) Rodenberg of Tallahassee, FL; Craig (Kari) Rodenberg of Wolf Point, MT; Jeff (Kerry) of Parker, CO and Julie Rodenberg of Gig Harbor, WA. He also has nine great-grandchildren Kylie, Lauren, McKenzie, Evan, Owen, Danny, Hailee, Brendan and Thomas.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Charitable donations can be made in Harry’s name to Faith Home, 1000 6th Ave. N., Wolf Point, MT 59201. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Steve Trimble says
I will miss greeting him by saying “ It’s a VFR day today.” It was an honor and a privilege to take care of your dad. Steve RN
Pam Clark says
Sorry to hear of Harry’s passing, he was a kind man my condolences to the family
Laura Christoffersen says
Harry and Mary Ann are among my favorite people. It is a passing of an era…i will treasure my many memories…and the large pickle jars Mary Ann gave me one year when she claimed to be “done” with canning. Harry was meticulous in his business but also forever loyal and expected the best in others ….they were unique and will be missed by me. Blessings and prayers to all of you.
Pr.s Chris and Greg Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to Harry’s family and friends. May you be uplifted by the prayers and care of loved ones, friends and community, and the certainty of life because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and God’s eternal love for us. Harry had a great smile that warmed you through and through. We lift all up in prayer.
Alice Christensen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Rodenberg family & Friends. HARRY was a very warm hearted person and had a smile that lit up a room.
Jean Archdale says
Jerry and I are so sorry for your loss of your dad and grandpa, our prayers are with all of you.
Trudy Fox says
So sorry for your loss, prayers going out to all your families.
Laurie Smith says
Gail and other family members so sorry for your loss. Love and Prayers.
Ruth Boysun says
Rodenberg family – I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Harry was such a kind and gentle man and will be missed by many in the community and at the nursing home as well as his family members. He is with Mary Ann again now in a place far better than here on earth.
Jamieson Craig says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Rodenberg family. I had the opportunity to work for the Rodenbergs in the early 90’s. Harry was a true man of principle. I will always remember his teaching of “saving steps” while working the bee yard, a lesson which has helped me immensely through the years. Rest In Peace Harry.
Terry & Nancy Gullickson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. We always enjoyed visiting with Harry!
Cheryl & Clyde Fenster says
What a nice full life your father had! We enjoyed reading his life story. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Terry Charles Rodenberg says
Greetings Rodenberg family members…..I was sorry to read of your loss of Harry and found the accounting of his life to be quite interesting. I was hoping to learn more about his parents and family members as I have compiled quite a bit of information about the Rodenbergs. (Originally Rodenborg) From what I read, it seems that your Harry and my father Victor were first cousins. Their fathers were brothers. (I think!) With Nickolas and Maria (Mary) the original Rodenborgs to come to this country. I am happy to share information if anyone is interested.
Terry C. Rodenberg, Greenwood, MO