Thomas Rode

Thomas O. Rode, age 88, of Faribault, died Thursday, December 16, 2010 at the Keystone Community of Faribault.   Private family services will be held.   Inurnment will be at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park Columbarium.   Arrangements are being completed with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault.   Thomas Otis Rode, the son of Nils and Margaret (Halling) Rode, was born on April 11, 1922 in Bemidji, MN. He attended school in Bemidji and graduated from the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind. Tom also attended the University of Minnesota. He was united in marriage to Carma Teply on August 14, 1954 at the Chapel at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour. She preceded him in death on September 23, 2004. Tom worked for many years at the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. He worked as the supervisor of the older boys and Industrial Arts teacher for 14 years and for 19 years was the audio visual education specialist. Tom was a member of the Faribault Aerie 1460 Fraternal Order of Eagles, and was very active with the Masonic Lodge including: Masonic Blue Lodge #9, Masonic Chapter #6, Commandry #8 of Faribault, Cryptic Mason Council #12, Zurah Shrine, Past Master of Blue Lodge, and Past High Priest of Commandry.   He is survived by his daughter, Mary Catherine (Gary) McCready of Roseville, MN; son, Thomas Taylor of Minneapolis, MN; brother, Russell (Clarice) Rode of Withey, WI; sisters, Betty Coffman of Bloomington, MN, and JoAnne Manthey of Minneapolis; nephews, Dana Kielmeyer and Sheldon (Barbara) Kielmeyer, both of Faribault; niece, Gail Kielmeyer of Faribault; great nieces, Krista (Dave) Swanson of Faribault, Keri Jo (Adam) Uittenbogaard of Morristown, Amy Kielmeyer of Grand Forks, ND, and Cheri Kielmeyer of Faribault; and grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his wife, Carma; parents; and nephew, Terry Kielmeyer.