Belwin Barry Rode

Belwin Barry Rode, 80, of Benson, died on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 21, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and continue on Monday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Wearing of masks is required. Interment will follow the service in the Benson City Cemetery.

Belwin Rode, 80, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at Scandi Haven Village, Benson, Minnesota.  Belwin was born in Pierce, Nebraska, on April 5, 1940, to Leonard and Margaret (Cohrs) Rode. His family moved to Benson when Belwin was eight and he lived on the family farm for over 70 years.  He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pierce, Nebraska, and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.  Belwin attended Benson Public Schools and graduated in 1957.  In 1968, Belwin married Marlene Dokken at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church.  They were blessed with three daughters and twenty-six years of marriage.  Marlene died in 1994. Belwin married Judy Benson at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Granite Falls in 2006.

Belwin’s career as a farmer was one of his life-long passions.  He also worked for Swift Coop Oil (Cenex) until his retirement in 2004.   Belwin enjoyed restoring John Deere tractors, traveling, gardening, bowling, and square dancing.  He especially loved giving tractor rides to his grandchildren and attending their activities. Spending time with family was a priority marked by many trips, weekends, and holidays together.  Belwin served his community as an elder and Sunday School teacher at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, a board member at the Swift County Historical Society, and as a charter member of the Putts and Purrs Tractor Club.

Cherishing his memory are his wife, Judy; daughters Andrea (David) Samson of West Fargo, Katina (Ryan) Rued of West Fargo, and Elizabeth (Brett) Danner of Maple Grove; grandchildren Tyler and Callie Rued and Emaliah and Brodey Danner; aunt, Margaret Robertson; sisters, Janice Bentson and Sharoyl (Fred) Bean; brother-in-law, Chuck Bentson; sisters-in-law, Donna Dokken and Nancy Dokken; and several nieces and nephews.  Belwin is also survived by Judy’s children Greg (Mary) Benson of Gilbert, Arizona, Becky (Jeff) Koepke of Granite Falls, and Laura (Brian) Beyer of Granite Falls; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; sister, Joy (Dean) Halvorson; and sisters-in-law, Molly Ashburn and Pat Ashburn. Greeting him in heaven were his parents; his wife, Marlene; Marlene’s parents, Noel and Agnes Dokken; brothers-in-law, Erling Dokken, Al Dokken, Chuck Ost, Jerry Ashburn, and Bud Ashburn; niece, Stephanie Ost; and nephew, Peter Dokken.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Scandi Haven Village, Carris Health-Rice Hospice and Willmar Cancer Center for the exceptional care and support provided. The kindness, compassion, and friendship shared has been a shining light in our lives.