Rodney G. Bonderson, 79, of Emerson, NE, died on Monday, May 31, 2021 on his farm near Emerson, NE. Funeral services for Rodney will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE; Pastor Charlotte Eversoll will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Emerson.
Rodney was born on January 4, 1942 on the family farm near Emerson, NE, the son of Virgil and Lillian (Kubik) Bonderson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member. Following graduation from Emerson High School in 1959, Rodney attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where he was a Regent Scholar. On June 10, 1962, Rodney married Jane Roby. To this union three children were born: Kris, Kathy and Kevin. Rodney was active in the community, serving on the Emerson – Hubbard School Board, the Thurston County Water Board, FSA County Committee, and the St. Luke Lutheran Church Council.
He will be fondly known for his great sense of humor and love for his family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. Rodney farmed east of Emerson for his entire life, and farming was his hobby. He was extremely proud that his grandson, Ben is living on the farm and carrying on the love of farming.
Rodney is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane; children, Kris (Dale) Coan of Norfolk, NE, Kathy Baca (and partner, Dan Fleischhacker) of Savage, MN, Kevin (Beth) Bonderson of Emerson, NE; grandchildren, Andy (Alex) Coan, Nathan (Riley) Coan, Alex (Sara Klein) Baca, Spencer Baca, Lillian Baca, Ben Bonderson and Aaron Bonderson. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Leighton and Kallum Coan; and sister, Janice Roeber.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Lillian Bonderson; in-laws, Doris & George Kade and Cyrus L. & Dorothy Roby; brothers-in-law, Perry Roby and Willis Roeber.
