A celebration of life visitation for Rodney Stoltenberg, age 57, of Lake Park, will be from 2:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Lake Park. Interment will be at Silver Lake Cemetery in Lake Park.
Rodney Lynn Stoltenberg was born September 19, 1967, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the son of Dennis and Donna Belle (Ingebritson) Stoltenberg. He grew up in Lake Park and attended Harris–Lake Park High School, graduating in 1986.
From an early age, Rod had a strong interest and natural talent for auto mechanics, which led him to Iowa Lakes Community College where he graduated in 1988 with a degree in Auto Mechanics. After college, he returned to Lake Park and worked at the Lake Park DX station, then drove cement truck for Rehms/Stewart Concrete out of Milford. Following Rehms/Stewart, he joined Lake Park Lumber Co doing deliveries and draft work. He designed many buildings and homes during his tenure there. After the Family sold the lumberyard, Rodney started a career driving truck and eventually became an owner operator. This career would take him all over the country from the northwest to the northeast, Texas, Florida, and many states in between.
Rodney was a man of large stature, but he had an even bigger heart. Though quiet by nature, he had quick wit and was known for slipping in a perfectly timed wisecrack that left you laughing, if you caught it. Despite the demands of trucking and being away from home, Rodney made it a priority to attend family gatherings, where his presence was always cherished.
His greatest passions in life were cars, family, and friends. Rod was a very passionate uncle and loved attending his niece and nephew’s activities, watching as many as he could, especially these past few years.
Rodney was known to be very particular about many things, which provided some good ribbing opportunities for his friends and family. And he undoubtedly would give it back. Whether it was the way his bed was made, the brand of ketchup he preferred, or where his keys were placed at the end of the day, he was a perfectionist. This served him well while building many engines, both drag and stock cars, and working on so many classic cars throughout his lifetime.
Rod was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, he enjoyed listening to music, and loved poker, especially “hold em”. When he was younger, he also enjoyed golf, bowling, playing darts, and pool, which he played lefthanded.
In 2006, Rodney was diagnosed with two chronic kidney diseases. Since 2017, Rodney faced several health challenges, meeting each surgery and hospital stay with determination and courage.
Rodney passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake at the age of 57. Rod lived life every day to the fullest, especially the last few years as his health declined. Rodney gifted his body to the Iowa Donor Network to help others.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Dennis and Donna Belle Stoltenberg; brothers, Jeffrey Stoltenberg and Darren Stoltenberg; nephews, Matthew Stoltenberg and Jack Stoltenberg; niece, Ella Stoltenberg; aunts, Alice Wilhelmi and friend Roger, Judy and Marley Lloyd, and Debra and Craig Bellbeck; along with many cousins and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe and Ella Mae Ingebritson and Arnold and Lily Stoltenberg; uncles, Ronald Stoltenberg and Bob Wilhelmi, and cousin, Timothy Stoltenberg.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
