Rodger Kenna Lanning

Rodger Kenna Lanning, age 92, of Renville died at the RenVilla Nursing Home on June 7, 2021.  Funeral services are Wednesday, June 16 at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Renville with Pastor Dan Bowman officiating. Burial is at Fairview Cemetery in Renville. Visitation is Tuesday, June 15 from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Renville. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church in Renville.

Rodger Kenna Lanning was born May 25, 1929, on the family farm in Sacred Heart Township, MN to Bennie and Hulda (Swanson) Lanning. He grew up near Renville where he attended school.

He spent much of his life as a caregiver for his parents. Rodger worked for Elk River Concrete for 33 years where he was mainly a welder.  After retirement, he helped his nephew Paul on the farm for 17 years.  He enjoyed being in the tractor but we all know he really loved seeing the kids (great nephews and niece) while he was at the farm each day.

Rodger was fortunate to have great neighbors in Renville.  He would sit outside and chat, have donuts and coffee for everyone after parades, and help whenever asked.  Uncle Rodger also served as a snow home when the great nephews & niece were in school and the backup for calls from the school when one of the kids were sick.

He was an active member and volunteer at First Lutheran Church in Renville and the Sacred Heart Area Historical Society. Rodger enjoyed pheasant hunting, visiting with friends, going “up town” for coffee, driving to check out crops and asking the great-great nieces if they were his girlfriends. Rodger was a humble man who was kind to all.

Rodger is survived by special nephew & his family:  Paul & Liz Lanning; David (Brandy), Hallie, Benjamin & Victoria; Lisa (Josh) Neutgens, Libby & Matilda; Peter (Kim), Ryder & Klaira; and Bradley (Kim) & Conrad; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Special friends Ron & Judy Morris and Robert & Joyce Swanson. Rodger was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Arvin, Harry, Glenn, Virgil, Carroll, Ardell and Dale Lanning, Lorraine Moen, Bernice Potts and Berdell & Bernell in infancy.

Blessed Be His Memory