Rodney James Fuegen, 62, passed away Monday, October 17, 2022 at his home in Chamberlain, SD honorably with his mother and family by his side, surrounding him with love and sweet memories. Memorial Mass was 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 24, 2022 at St. James Catholic Church in Chamberlain. A Committal Service followed at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery in Kimball, SD. Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family through mountfuneralhome. com.
Rodney was born on June 21, 1960 to David and Deloris (Grohs) Fuegen at Wessington Springs and was raised on the beloved Fuegen Family Farm in Gann Valley. He attended Wessington Springs school district in the Special Education program where he grew and thrived. It has been said that Rodney was the best basketball score keeper in the high school and one of the best spellers. Rodney moved to Chamberlain in 1978 where he spent his time between the 15th house, the Wrabe apartments and ultimately his final home, the Beebe home. Rodney was the hit of the house and he enjoyed and experienced things that most might take advantage of, appreciating and loving each activity to its fullest.
There is no doubt that Rodney’s heart remained at that beloved Fuegen farm where those boys spoiled him and he received all the attention, which he loved. He loved holidays at the farm and especially loved the pheasant season enjoyed by so many friends and family. Rodney’s favorite job on the farm, hands down was combining. He was in command in the combine and he would make sure everyone knew it. In his younger years, his favorite job was at Harry K’s, where he washed cars. Little did Harry Knust know, but Rodney actually ran the place, or at least he thought he did. When you saw Rodney, he always greeted you with a smile and most often required a hug. Those beautiful shining eyes and that smile was often enough to brighten anyone’s day, no matter what kind of day one would be having. Rodney’s brothers were his heroes, but really, Rodney was their hero.
Equally important to Rodney’s never-ending happiness were the many people who touched his life in Chamberlain, especially Beth Hosek, Michael Scott, Jay Fridel, Michael Patterson and Stacy Santiago. The experiences that Rodney had were memorable and left an impact just as strong on those who were around him, as they did on Rodney. Rodney was an avid NASCAR and Green Bay Packers fan. You could tell who Rodney was cheering for, often based upon his day’s clothing choices. From trips to NASCAR in Kansas City, to the rival Vikings/Packers game in Minneapolis, his happiness knew no bounds and Beth, Michael, Jay and Stacy made all of those things possible for him.
Rodney excelled at Special Olympics and loved every opportunity he had as long as he was able. Bowling was his favorite and once he got a strike, he would throw his arms high in the air, shout out a “whoot whoot” and even on occasion he would bow. He knew and loved football, like no other. As Chamberlain grew to be his home, there wasn’t a bigger fan of the Chamberlain Cubs, particularly the football team, than Rodney. He attended as many games as possible. The cheerleaders were so good to Rodney and often coined him as the Cubs’ biggest fan. He loved going to basketball games and any other sporting events that were going on in Chamberlain.
Rodney was well known for his sharp style of dress. He enjoyed dressing up and going to the PROMS that were held by the house and the most excitement that Rodney had was looking forward to the yearly Awards Banquet, where everyone got dressed up and everyone got recognition. His mom was always proud to be his date and the clapping and excitement when his name was called was infectious. Rodney’s favorite food was a soft-shell taco and potato oles from Taco John’s. Rodney never took advantage of the little things, for all things made Rodney happy. The world could learn a lot of valuable lessons from Rodney.
He is survived by his mother, Deloris Fuegen of Wessington Springs; three brothers: Allen Fuegen of Gann Valley, Patrick (Patty) Fuegen of Redfield and Jeff (Michele) Fuegen of Gann Valley; a sister-in-law, Heidi Linngren of Rapid City; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Fuegen; sister, Mary Sue Fuegen; brother, Lance Fuegen; and his grandparents: John and Cynthia Fuegen and Frederick and Rosella Grohs.
