Rodney Fawcett, 85, of Ree Heights, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025, at Highmore Health.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Community Church of St. Lawrence with Rev. Jim Hofman and Rev. Steve Fawcett officiating. Burial will follow at Morningside Cemetery in Ree Heights. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Community Church of St. Lawrence.
Rodney Fawcett was born on July 17, 1939, to Ed and Ada (Benson) Fawcett in Miller, South Dakota. He attended Ree Heights Elementary School before transferring to Miller High School, where he graduated in 1958. Rodney then continued his education at South Dakota State University, earning a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries in 1962.
It was during his time in Brookings that he discovered his love for the Jackrabbits, playing football for four years as an offensive lineman. He also became a founding member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
After graduating from SDSU, Rodney returned to the family ranch near Ree Heights, where he raised cattle and started a small feedlot. Some of his favorite tasks included planting corn, cutting silage, and sorting and working with cattle. Rodney always took pride in admiring and working with good cattle.
On May 26, 1963, Rodney married Rose, and together they spent 61 wonderful years building a life full of love and family. They raised four children: Ken, Marie, Brenda, and Chad. Rodney was a devoted father, attending countless ball games, 4-H activities, stock shows, concerts, FFA events, and church functions to support his children.
Rodney had many passions, including fishing, hunting, and playing fast-pitch softball. He also enjoyed umpiring softball games around the state, playing cards, and making lefsa, deer jerky, and homemade ice cream. As a member of the Masons and Shriners, Rodney took pride in his community involvement.
Rodney was especially proud of his grandchildren, attending their sporting events and activities. He earned the title of “Grandfather” with pride, but he also embraced being a great-grandfather, a role he treasured deeply. His signature phrase, “For sure, for sure,” will forever be remembered by his loved ones.
Rodney is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Rose; children: Ken (Mary) Fawcett of Ree Heights, Marie (Alan) Bales of Huron, Brenda (Allen) Beare of Ree Heights, and Chad Fawcett of Highmore; grandchildren: McKenzie (Ray) Meyer of rural Yale, Lane (Shaina) Fawcett of Ree Heights, Brooke (Ken) McCloud of Highmore, and Payton Beare of Ree Heights; and great-grandchildren: Michael, Eric, Laura, Luke, and Slade; his siblings; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Ada; brothers, Wayne and Dale; and great-grandchild, Riley.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Rodney’s arrangements.
