Rodney Tharaldson

Rodney Tharaldson, 64, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024, at his home in Fargo.

Rodney David Tharaldson was born Oct. 2, 1959, in Cavalier, ND, the firstborn of Gerald and Anna (Dumas) Tharaldson. He graduated from Milton High School in 1976, then enrolled in tech school at Wahpeton, where he earned his associate’s degree and worked at the Blazer and Beaver Trap, where he was better known as, Rocky.

Rod worked various jobs in different places, but life started to come together in Mott. At a favorite local spot in Mott, a young home economics teacher named Ginny Donner caught Rod’s eye. Rod was persistent in his pursuit of Ginny, and the pair married on April 22, 1989, in Ogema, MN. Rod and Ginny recently celebrated 35 years of marriage. He loved her a lot, and it showed even in the little ways, like his thoughtful gifts or how he’d sneak into Ginny’s workplace, Hallmark, under her nose but out of sight, to buy her Hallmark cards.

Rod and Ginny made their home in Fargo, where he worked for Fabricators Unlimited. Rod viewed work as the means to provide for and ultimately give to those he loved. His first job was delivering newspapers. He used all his earnings that year to buy Christmas presents for his parents and siblings.

Rod was a tremendous cook and enjoyed all things food. His palate was spicier than the average Midwesterner and he was a master of chilies, which were showcased in his specialty green chile chicken enchiladas.

He loved hockey, the Detroit Lions, AC/DC and his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Rod enjoyed many motorcycle trips with Ginny and friends. Many family members got their first motorcycle ride from Uncle “Hot Rod.” He’d happily turn in his leather, however, for pink and play Barbies at his nieces’ request.

He was a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, godfather and friend. His love was deep. His hugs were big. He was caring, jovial and inclusive. Everyone was important, and he made sure you knew it. “I’m so happy I got to see you today” was a common refrain from Rod. He meant it.
Rod wasn’t conventional in many ways, and that made him special. Per his desire to find a use for an ill-fitting purchase for his motorcycle, Rod’s ashes will be inurned in that Harley-Davidson gas tank.

Rod is survived by his wife, Ginny, of Fargo; mother, Anna Tharaldson, Mott; siblings, Randy Tharaldson, Mott, Lisa (David) Barnick, Jamestown, and Lowell Tharaldson, Mott; mother-in-law, Donna Donner, Detroit Lakes, MN; brother-in-law, Matt (Lorna) Donner, Andover, MN; and his nieces and nephews, Ariana, Alexis, Alyssa, Kane, Stella, Josh, Jerryanna, William, Elizabeth and Nick.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Tharaldson, and father-in-law, Larry Donner.