Rodney Lee Widicker, 74, of Bowdon, ND passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 5, 2022 at his home.  Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at the Bowdon Country Seventh-day Adventist Church, rural Bowdon.  Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM with 5:30 PM Prayer Service Monday, May 9, 2022 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden.  Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Rodney Lee Widicker was born October 2, 1947 to Leo and Virginia (Weisz) Widicker in Harvey, North Dakota.  Rod was raised on the family farm two miles south of Bowdon and attended the Bowdon Public School through 10 ^th grade.  He then transferred to Sheyenne River Academy where he graduated in 1966.

After academy graduation Rod farmed with his father and spent several winters in Walla Walla, Washington taking classes in welding and chef school.  In the fall of 1973 Rod came to Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska and worked at Harris Pine Mills where he met Linda Chapman.  They were married on June 22, 1975 and would welcome three children into their family, Rick, Ryan, and Amy.  Rod worked with his father on the family farm until their retirement in 1999.

Throughout Rod's life he was an avid supporter of the Bowdon community.  He was president of the Bowdon Centennial Museum, board member of the Community Grocery Store, and helped with the Bowdon Farmer's Market.  He always had a special heart for the elderly, and he loved visiting and helping them in any way he could.

When spare time allowed, he enjoyed refinishing furniture, collecting coins, stamps, and toy tractors. One of Rod and Linda's favorite things to do was attend local auction sales, finding antiques and treasures.  Gardening was a major family project, but "Rod's Rhubarb Patch" was his specialty!

Rod was a member of the Bowdon Country Seventh-day Adventist Church where he served as a deacon and worship leader, and held other church positions.  The greatest treasures of his life were his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of them, and often told them, "My buttons are bursting!!" To say Rod had the gift of gab, is an understatement, he never knew a stranger.

Rod is survived by his mother, Virginia of Bowdon, ND (currently at the nursing home in Harvey); wife, Linda of Bowdon, ND; children Rick Widicker of Jamestown, ND; Ryan Widicker of Lincoln, NE; Amy (Johnny) Thom of Bismarck, ND;  sister, JoAnn (Delvin) Hansen, of Harvey, ND; grandchildren, Tia Widicker; Caden Widicker; Emerie Thom; Mollie Thom; Aubrey Thom.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Widicker.