Reva Lucille Rode

Reva Rode, age 91, of Marshall, Minnesota, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. She spent the last month of her life at home under the care of her three daughters with the aid of hospice. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Efree Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following the service, a lunch will be provided in the church basement. Interment will take place at a later date in the Arco City Cemetery in Arco, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, also at the church.

Reva Lucille Bedow was born on July 13, 1931, on the family farm located in rural Tracy, Minnesota. She was the third of 11 children born to John Edwin and Lila Marie (Madden) Bedow. As an infant, she was baptized at Arco Lutheran Church and later confirmed. In her younger years, Reva helped on the farm while also assisting in the care of her siblings. From a young age, Reva was known as everyone’s second Mom. She attended grade school in Arco before transferring to Ivanhoe school district, where she graduated with the class of 1950.

On May 12, 1951, Reva was united in marriage to Mr. Melvin Rode at First Baptist Church in Tyler, Minnesota. In 1962, Reva and Melvin bought the family farm Reva was raised on. It was there that the couple raised their 4 children: Alan, Susan, Rhonda, and Terri. The family worked, learned, loved, and made various memories together on that farm, which continues to be cared for by the family. Besides her role as a loving mother and farm wife, Reva devoted 23 years of her life working at Heartland Foods.

The two most important aspects of her life were faith and family. Reva was a long-time member of the Marshall Evangelical Free Church, where she religiously attended Bible Study on Tuesdays, and the worship service on Sundays. She was a doting wife, mother, grandmother, and everyone’s favorite aunt. Reva was known to have an open house and often invited anyone and everyone over to converse over a homecooked meal or one of her famous pies. Reva enjoyed spending time with her family outdoors, whether it be time spent in her beautiful garden, pontoon rides on Lake Shetek, camping (even though her husband hated it), riding bike, sitting by the pool, and taking each one of her grandchildren to Disney Land. The one thing that Reva didn’t like was the cold and for the past 23 years she spent winters in Texas.

Reva was an avid shopper, whether it be for herself or those she loved. She would never give up a chance to browse the clearance racks at JCPenney’s, Reva couldn’t pass up a good deal! While she enjoyed spending time with others, Reva was proud of her independence, and continued to drive even at 91 years of age!

Reva Lucille Rode died peacefully and surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at her home in Marshall, Minnesota. She reached the age of 91 years, 8 months, and 1 day. Reva will be remembered for being fiercely protective over her family, her great sense of humor, and her spunky quick wit. Blessed be her memory.

Reva is survived by her 4 children, Alan (Melissa) Rode of Arco, Susan (Tom) Gervais of Tracy, Rhonda (Dick) Danberry of Mankato, Terri (Mark) Nelson-Bader of Montevideo; 9 grandchildren, Jeremy (Katie) Nelson, Justin (Stacie) Nelson, Brookelyn Bader, Lacey (Michael) Steffen, Travis (Liz) Leibfried, Corey Danberry, Tessa Rode, Allyssa Rode, Michael Rode; 6 great-grandchildren, Abby Steffen, Kaden Steffen, Ethan Steffen, Ryzen Nelson, Margaret Nelson, Addilyn Nelson; siblings, Betty Hulsebus of Detroit Lakes, Ronald (Jeanette) Bedow of Marshall, Loretta Brandt of Stone Lake, WI, Shirley (John) Kor of Forrest Lake, MN, Dennis (Diane) Bedow of Brookings, SD; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Lila Bedow; husband, Melvin; and siblings, Drusilla, Roger, Virgil, Loren, infant sibling; and sons-in-law, Scot Nelson, Bruce Leibfried.