Rodney Henry Kilsdonk

June 21, 1942 - May 2, 2020

Rodney Henry Kilsdonk, 77, of rural Sidney, Montana, died in his sleep at home on May 2, 2020 after a short battle with lung cancer. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive, Montana has been entrusted with the arrangements. Rodney, born June 21, 1942 in Jamestown, North Dakota and raised in Culbertson, Montana, was the second of ten children born to Henry (Hank) Kilsdonk and Mildred (Millie) Rasmussen Kilsdonk. Rodney begrudgingly completed 8th grade before launching into a series of jobs including: sheepherding, custom combining, seismographing, and working at the Peavey Elevator in Wolf Point. Rodney spent a short time in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1961. In 1962, Rod married Norma (Merrill) and together they had three children: Laurie, Rodney, Jr., and Duane. They divorced in 1970 and Rodney raised his children as a single father. On October 14, 1978, Rod married the love of his life, Diane (Oberlander Morast). The family now included Rodney’s three children and Diane’s two children, Darrin and Dannell. Rod and Diane enjoyed 35 years together before Diane passed on September 22 of 2013. They spent a short time together in Savage, Montana before buying a house and 40 acres a few miles west of Sidney, Montana. In Sidney, Rodney worked at Holly Sugar, then on drilling rigs and ultimately landed a position with the Richland County Road Department, where he worked for 30 years as a supervisor and a crane operator. He was proud that he ran the same crane for 25 years and that crane retired along with him. During his time with the county he built several bridges which are still used today. In 2007 Rodney retired from the county and spent his days in retirement building his collection of tractors. He especially liked to buy them “stuck” and then tinker with them until they ran again. He liked to collect convertible cars, especially Pontiac Firebirds and Chevy Corvettes and drove them with the top down and his Shih Tzu, Maisy, riding alongside him. Rodney loved to spend summer days fishing with friends and sharing stories. He enjoyed many adventures traveling, sightseeing and eating out with his special friend, Mary Vaira, during his final years. They especially enjoyed seeing shows in Medora and riding around in his convertibles. Rodney is survived by sons, Rodney (Lisa) Kilsdonk, Duane (Darcee) Kilsdonk and Darrin (Raquel) Morast; daughters, Laurie (Wayne) Owens and Dannell Morast; grandchildren Tony (Linsey) Owens, Colton Owens, Brandi Owens, Kassidee Rose, Scott (Michelle) Kilsdonk, Elisabeth (Joe) Epley, Tessa (Taylor) Howell, Matreena (Travis) Revoir, Matthew Kilsdonk, Makaela Kilsdonk, Jade Morast, Zoey Morast, and Riley Simard; 26 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ralph (Ruth), Tim (Mary) Stan (Kathy) and Odean (Chris); sisters, Kathy, Mildred Rae (Steve) Owings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Millie Kilsdonk; brothers, Eldon and Martin (Mary) Kilsdonk and sister, Veralyn (Jim) Smith. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.