Rodney David Krahn drifted peacefully off this mortal coil on January 29th, 2023. He was taken, at the young age of 56, by that nefarious disease named cancer.
Rodney was born in Milwaukee on February 13th, 1966 to David and Glory Wolfram. He was put up for adoption as a toddler. He spent some years at foster homes and at 7, he was adopted. He would talk about feeling so blessed to be chosen, and he moved to Fort Atkinson with his new family. His favorite memories of his childhood include spending time up north at the family’s Christmas tree farm, cutting, trimming and selling ($1.00 per foot).
Rodney attended Fort Atkinson schools and after he obtained his GED he hit the road. Stopping in Colorado on his way to California he saw a Joan Jett And The Blackhearts concert. Joan Jett signed his GED and he was absolutely tickled, he still has it, always one of his favorite stories. He wasn’t gone long on his travels and he returned to his hometown and lived in the area for the rest of his life.
Rodney had one great love in his life, he met her in September, 2011. His world revolved around his little girl, Everleigh Suzanne (Mom, Missy Burrow). They shared a special bond that only exists between a daddy and daughter and it was obvious to all who know them. They went most places together, you’d see her perched next to him in his truck, picking through treasures at the flea market, or his favorite, curb shopping. Everleigh absolutely loved going for rides on the quad with him around his house. He even bought a small one for her.
There wasn’t a small engine he couldn’t fix and he kept his family’s lawn mowers, trimmers and snowblowers in tip top shape. Rodney would show up at friends, neighbors and family’s houses after the worst snowfalls to clear out driveways and walks to keep his folk safe from falls and getting vehicles stuck.
Working at a variety of jobs over the years, his favorites always involved working outdoors, woodworking and tinkering with engines. His latest job, before he started treatment, was as a parts runner for O’Reillys. He enjoyed ‘shootin’ the bull’ with folk as he traveled between shops, sometimes reconnecting with people from his past.
Rodney was the squirrel whisperer of O’Reillys, bringing in nuts and corn to the critters hanging around the shop to try and hand feed them. Always a gentle animal lover, he would carry treats for dogs he may come across that day. Rodney especially spoiled Missy’s chihuahuas, there was always manic singing and dancing from the two of them knowing the sound of his truck from the road.
This past summer Rodney found pleasure in gardening, he loved watching it grow, then trying his hand at canning. Everyone was treated with at least a couple of jars of salsa and pickles. Canned goods and veggies were handed off, appearing mysteriously on porches and decks. Eventually texts were sent out asking if you enjoyed it all and could he please have his jars back.
Rodney’s favorite hobby by far was tromping through the snow and the mud, in fields, pastures and along roads looking for deer antlers. He found peace looking for and following the signs of buck rubs on the trees and hoping up ahead he’d find the buck’s sheds. He’d get such a kick out of showing off his finds, bragging to anyone with ears. He won’t tell you where he found them though, there may be more.
We all know Rodney is there now, taking great pleasure in the peace that nature always offered him. Having a walk on his deer trails and the great find at the end, wearing his signature camo snowsuit and stocking hat. No longer tired, no more pain, energy and strength abound, traveling on foot for miles, lungs full of fresh air. His longtime companion, Levi, has been waiting for him and joins him on his hunt, tongue hanging out, tail wagging so hard it’s just a blur.
Rodney will be forever missed by his family. He leaves behind his ‘Lil Monkey’ Everleigh, his longtime friend and Mom of Everleigh, Missy (Eric) Burrow, his assumed Mom, Suzanne (Bruce) Burrow, Mikel Burrow and Nancy Boos. He always felt included in holiday get togethers, cookouts and celebrations with both the Burrows and the Statzs. That’s what family is, knowing you are loved and you love in return. That feeling you are welcome and accepted. Having family isn’t always a given, having one whether it be by blood or not, is a blessing. Cherish the people you call family, ponder on how blessed you are.
I know Roddy was touched deeply by his little community in the Koshkonong Lake Road area. He would chat about all the assistance that was offered to him. He was grateful for rides to town when he couldn’t drive and errands taken care of for him when he didn’t have the strength. Anonymous dinners, household supplies, treats and gifts. This was all very humbling to him and he couldn’t say thank you enough. Thank you Rainbow Hospice for the kindness, care and dignity given to our Roddy. He had nothing but nice to say about his care team. Every one of you are angels on earth, giving out pieces of yourself and your time to the folk that need you the most. Bless your loving hearts. Thank you Wade Jones for being a good friend to Roddy, keeping him entertained and lifting his spirits when he needed you. He liked having you across the street, he felt secure knowing you were there. Thank you to all his friends that stopped in for a chat and to check on how he’s doing. He was usually the one doing the visiting, he really did enjoy the company.
Roddy’s wishes were for him to be cremated, he said he didn’t want people gawking over him in a coffin. He asked to have his ashes scattered where the deer roam, we will honor this. A celebration of Roddy’s life is in the making for when the weather warms up. We’re all looking forward to hearing stories from his friends, lots of laughter and good food, he wouldn’t want it any other way.
In lieu of flowers please consider memorials for his daughter, Everleigh, to be put into an account for her future college fund, or donations to Rainbow Hospice would be much appreciated.
If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on now
‘Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see
-Lynyrd Skynyrd, Freebird
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
Rodney David Krahn
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