Rodney “Rod” Leaders
A Celebration of Life will take place for Rodney “Rod” Leaders, age 94, formerly of Wadena, Minnesota on August 30, 2021, at St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena. Visitation with family and friends will start at 9:30 a.m., Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., followed by Military Honors and luncheon. Rod will be laid to rest at the Jacksonville Veteran’s Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida.
Memorials are preferred to the church or hospice of your choice. Cards may be sent c/o Walt Leaders, 24886 121st Ave, Sebeka, Minnesota 56477.
Rodney Walter Leaders was born October 1, 1926, to Walter and Leila (Bacon) Leaders. He graduated from Wadena High School with the class of 1943.
Rod joined the Navy in 1944, served as a Sonarsman on the U.S.S. Barricade (Minesweeper) in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Rod was united in marriage to Evangeline (Vangie) Peterson on October 31,1948. They made their home in Wadena and raised two children, Walt (Diane) Leaders of Sebeka, Minnesota, and Mary (Al) Taylor of Ormond Beach, Florida.
Rod was self-employed as a holsum bread wholesaler from 1946 to 1961. He then started the Leaders Distributing Company, as an automotive jobber, specializing in air and lubrication supplies. He loved working, hunting, and camping with his family, and later traveling with Vangie in their avion trailer. He loved being with family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the highlight of his life.
He was active with the St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena, and the Wadena V.F.W Post #3922, serving as Post Commander for a term. They moved to Florida in 2004.
On August 3, 2021, Rod joined his beloved wife, Vangie in heaven.
Rod was also preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Margaret Bugher; and Lenore Marken.
He is survived by his son: Walt; daughter: Mary; four grandchildren: Jim (Tressa) Leaders; Becca (Alex) Hill; Lindsey Taylor; and Casey Taylor; six great-grandchildren: Terralyn, Deakyn, Marlee, Crystal, Evangelyne, and Katelyn; brothers-in-law: Dick Bugher; and Don Marken.