Rodney "Rod" Duane South, 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at home with family by his side.

Rod was born in Cass Lake, MN, on October 24, 1938, to Lee and Vallerie South. He graduated from Cass Lake High School in 1957. He attended Bemidji State College and graduated with a teaching degree in Social Studies and French. Rod taught school in Fosston and Cass Lake, MN. He moved to Grand Rapids, MN, in 1970, where he worked at the Red Owl grocery store. In 1974, he began working at Blandin Paper Company and retired in 1995.

Rod will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, kindness, and his sense of humor. He enjoyed playing sports, especially golf, singing, and making people laugh.

Rod is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; his children, Nicole Deyo, Steven South, and Kristin (Billy) Pickett; his stepsons, Stanton (Sandra) South, Lee (Stacy) South, Lynn (Tandra) South, Jay (Lisa) South, and Nicholas (Shannon) South; one sister, Bonnie (Paul) Swan; many grandchildren; a great-grandchild; another great-grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Lloyd, Al, and Stan South; and sisters Barbara South and Shirley Mustar.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m., with the service to follow at 11 a.m. at New Song Alliance Church, 15 SE 3rd St., Grand Rapids, MN.