Rodney “Rod” Knute Rychner,70, of Killdeer, North Dakota, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He was born November 20, 1954, in Dickinson, North Dakota, the second of eight children born to Elmer and Ida (Schuh) Rychner.

Rod grew up on the family ranch north of Killdeer, where he learned the values of hard work. After graduating from Killdeer High School, Rod attended college for two years before joining the United States Army, where he served and spent time stationed in Germany.

After his military service, he returned to North Dakota State University and completed his degree in mathematics on the GI Bill. He worked as a coder for AT&T in Denver, demonstrating his sharp mind and strong work ethic. Despite success in that field, Rod’s heart remained with North Dakota. He returned to the family ranch to work alongside his father until Elmer’s passing, and later with his nephew, carrying on the Rychner ranching tradition.

Rod was also an accomplished endurance athlete. He ran in numerous marathons and famously rode his bicycle from Denver, Colorado, to Killdeer and back to Denver on three separate occasions, showcasing his remarkable determination and love for a challenge.

He was a dedicated sports fan, with a special love for the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, never missing a chance to catch a game or share in the highs and lows of his teams. Just days before his passing, Rod watched the Home Run Derby and took comfort and pride in seeing Twins player Byron Buxton earn a fourth-place finish—one more memory in a lifetime of cheering on his team.

Though he never had children of his own, Rod found immense joy and pride in being an uncle. He was the beloved “Uncle Rod” to 12 nieces and nephews and 20 great-nieces and great-nephews. Always ready with a treat to share, a teasing grin, and his signature sarcastic grouchiness, his quiet kindness and humor made him a cherished presence in their lives.

Rod is survived by his mother, Ida Rychner of Killdeer; his siblings, Omer (Roselyn) Rychner of Killdeer, Arnold (Virginia) Rychner of Ekalaka, MT, Cordella Rychner of Killdeer, ND, and Colleen (Dan) Rowe of Dalton, NE; and sister-in-law Mira Rychner of Tulsa, OK.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Rychner; his brothers, Craig and Mark Rychner; and his sister, Cathleen Rychner.

Rod’s Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Grace of God Baptist Church-252 5th Ave Southwest, Killdeer with Pastor Rande Kerr officiating. A private family burial will follow at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Great Plains Food Bank.

Rod’s life was one of quiet strength, humble service, and deep devotion to family and home. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.