Obituary: Rodney Allen Niskanen

Rodney Allen Niskanen, 75, of Floodwood, passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Colorado Springs. He was born Jan. 23, 1949, in Duluth, to Leo and Lila (Marsyla) Niskanen. He graduated from Floodwood High School in 1967. On Sept. 13, 1968, he married Adele Gilbertson in Champagne, Illinois.

Rodney entered the United States Air Force after graduation. He served a year before being called home to take care of the family business – logging and the farm.

Behind the steering wheel of a semi-truck was his happy place, either driving over-the-road or hauling locally. After being an owner-operator for 25 years, Rodney retired from Northland Construction in Duluth. When he wasn't driving, you could find him in the shop tinkering with something or helping family to get a piece of equipment running.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard, and two nephews.

He is survived by his wife, Adele, and two children, Paul (Renee) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Jody (Galen) of Maple Grove, Minnesota; sisters Marlys (Tom) Piontek, Lois Aho and Kathy (Phillip) Stenson; sister-in-law Suzy Niskanen; grandchildren Tyler, Gabriella and Josie; Levi (April) Cruickshank and their two children Kayden and Chloe; honorary grandson Isaac Greniger and many nieces and nephews; dear friend "Brother" Dan Reed.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer in Floodwood.