Rodney M. Grandstrand

Rodney Melvin Grandstrand was born November 9, 1942 in Warren, MN to Melvin and Irene (Lindstrom) Grandstrand and grew up in Viking, MN. He married his high school sweetheart Carolyn (Copeland) on April 8 th , 1961. They moved to Long Lake, MN in 1964 and to Maple Plain in 1967, where they made their forever home raising 5 children.

Rod and Carolyn had been active members of Christ Lutheran Church in Maple Plain for over 58 years, raising their children in the Christian faith. He made sure his kids and the youth at that time were able to attend various events by driving the church bus, including visiting Gustavus Adolph’s College concerts, roller skating, snowtubing, apple river floating, caroling and so many more. Rod and Carolyn raised their children to love traveling and camping. When the kids were school age, they would take them on a two week camping vacation every year. From Rapid City, the Black hills, circle trip around Lake Superior, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, Wisconsin Dells and more. Many weekends throughout the summer were spent camping at KOA’s and Jellystone park.

Rod retired from Orono School District after 32 years as head grounds keeper. Rod was a volunteer fireman and EMT on the Maple Plain Fire Department for 27 years. He taught First Aid and CPR classes, one of which his daughters and wife attended and were in awe of his talent. He was a lifelong member of the Maple Plain Lions Club, he was elected to many positions and participated in many community fundraisers, notably the famous Turkey BBQ that attracted people from all over.

Rod was an excellent mechanic and had his own garage, Rod’s Repair. He really enjoyed showing his passion of fixing cars with young adults. After retirement Rod and Carolyn traveled with their airstream. They belonged to the Wally Bram Airstream Club and owned a lot at the Airstream Park in Clear Lake. They went on and planned many caravans across the country with the Airstream Club. He took a term as vice and then president of the local Airstream park. These times were very cherished, they met new friends and had SOOO many laughs over the last 30 years with them.

Rodney is survived by two daughters; Valerie (Gary) Enfield, Cook, MN; Brenda (Jim) Thieschafer, St. Cloud, MN; three sons; Brian (Patty) Grandstrand, Chaska, MN; Bradley (Tammy) Grandstrand, Dayton, MN; Corey (Tracy) Grandstrand, Stillwater, MN. 11 grandchildren, Heather Boisclair, Sauk Rapids, MN; Tom Wedan, Maple Plain, MN; Chris Boisclair Sartell, MN; Jenna Grandstrand Hopkins, MN; David Wedan, Maple Plain, MN; Stuart (Rocque) Grandstrand, Hawley, MN; Sarah (Eric) Voje, Maple Grove, MN; Blake Grandstrand, Stillwater, MN; Mitchell Grandstrand, Dayton, MN; Collin Grandstrand, Eau Claire, WI; Katelyn Grandstrand, Dayton, MN, 10 great-great grandchildren, Sister; Barb (Ward) Sinn, Thief River Falls, MN; Brother; Keith Grandstrand, Coon Rapids, MN, many nieces and nephews, relatives  and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, parents Melvin and Irene, and brother Roy.Rodney Grandstrand died on April 29, 2025 peacefully at his home in Maple Plain surrounded by his family at the age of 82 years. He will be missed; may his memory be blessed.

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