Rod Stecher, 58, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Rod was born on Jan. 18, 1951 in Bismarck, to Rodney and Elizabeth Anderson. His mother passed away at 23, when Rod was just five years old. Rod and his two younger siblings were adopted and raised by their loving grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth Stecher. Rod had many fond memories of his youth in Mandan and often brought home friends to meet his "Cookie Grandma". The values instilled by these remarkable people were always evident in his relationships, both personally and professionally in his banking and trust line of work.
Rod always told his sons that "Winning is great, but how you handle your losses will build character." Rod knew this first hand. After losing his mother at a young age, tragedy hit again. When Rod was a junior in high school his younger brother, Joey, 15, was killed in a car accident.
Rod was always involved in sports, relishing the competition, challenges, and camaraderie. After playing basketball and baseball in high school, he took up golf in college and continued his passion for the sport throughout his life. Rod started his college career at NDSU, before transferring to Dickinson State University, where he met his future wife, Donna. Upon graduation with a business degree, Rod began his career at Gate City Savings in Dickinson as a loan officer and coached the Dickinson High golf team.
Rod married Donna Janes on Sept. 30, 1977. They made their home in Dickinson, where they welcomed three sons into their lives: Benjamin, 1981, Jonathan, 1984, and Michael, 1988. Rod now had his built in "foursome" for golf. He was such a loving father, truly enjoying the boys at each of their stages. He was always actively involved in all aspects of their lives and dedicated his time to their education, athletic activities and often volunteered to coach their teams.
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In 1990 the family moved to Clinton, Iowa, where Rod had been offered the position of Vice-President at Hawkeye Bank. They enjoyed their five years in Clinton, making many close friendships. The boys were actively involved in basketball, soccer, wrestling, cub scouts and, of course, golf. Throughout their time in Iowa, they always attended gatherings with extended family in North Dakota.
The importance of family and the boys enjoying time with their cousins brought the family back to North Dakota and the Stechers moved to Fargo in 1995. Rod began working at Wells Fargo as a Senior Trust Officer and then became an Investment Manager at State Bank & Trust. He continued to enjoy golf, participating in many golf tournaments with his sons. Rod also actively served on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota Golf Association.
Rod was intensely proud of his family. He inspired many with his integrity and honesty. Rod lived life to the fullest and when he was confronted with serious illness he maintained his sense of spirituality, dignity and humor. He continued to inspire through his journal entries on www.caringbridge.org . He was so grateful for the messages of support and prayers offered through the website as well as the overwhelming support from co-workers at State Bank. Rod will be forever missed by his many friends and family members.
Rod is survived by his devoted wife of over 31 years, Donna, Fargo; son, Ben, Fargo; son, Jon, St. Louis Park, Minn.; son, Michael, Grand Forks; his loving sister, Laura Boehm, Bismarck; and his very close aunt, Irene Hall, Bismarck.
Services will be held at Nativity Church. Visitation will be on Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m. and a Prayer Service will follow at 7 p.m. Funeral Service will be Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m.
Arrangements made by Boulger Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com .
