Rodney Ogren

Rodney Ogren, 82, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Grace Methodist Church in Marcus. Rev. Dr. Travis Stevick will officiate. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Grace Methodist Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service on Saturday.

With sadness, we share the passing of Rod Ogren, a devoted son, brother, and uncle, and a cherished friend to many. Rod passed away March 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to those he held dear.

Rodney Lee Ogren was born June 26, 1941, to Paul and Catherine (Pitts) Ogren, becoming the trusted oldest brother among the five Ogren boys. Rod's lifelong residence for almost 83 years on the family farm in Tilden Township, south of Marcus, Iowa, was a testament to his steadfastness and connection to his roots. His faith was an important part of his life, having been baptized, confirmed, and a member of Grace Methodist Church.

Rod graduated from Marcus High School in 1960, followed by Sierra Junior College, located outside Sacramento, California. Shortly thereafter, Rod served in the military, stationed in Germany. He was an army veteran.

Rod's commitment to his Marcus community started as a member of the Tilden Tillers 4-H club and eventually extended to the Cherokee County Cattlemen's Association and the Marcus Community Fair Board, where he served faithfully for many years. Over five decades, Rod lent his expertise as a cattleman and livestock judge to countless county, state, regional fairs and stock shows. He was privileged to judge the Iowa State Fair Governor's Steer Show. While serving on the Board of Directors for the American Hereford Association, he had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand as an AHA ambassador. As a close friend remembers, it was typical for Rod to kneel down to talk to 4-Hers showing their cattle on the woodchip-covered show barn floor. His dedication to shaping young minds and nurturing their potential was a testament to his generous spirit and enduring legacy.

Rod served several years as the Marcus Main Street Director. Within this position, he, along with many others, helped support the Marcus community's revitalization efforts for future generations by advocating to bring new commercial businesses and resources to his hometown.

Rod also found joy in the simple pleasures of friendship and family. He cherished time with his nieces and nephews (and great-nieces and nephews) and enjoyed many special travels with his friends. In honoring Rod's memory, let us strive to embody the values he held dear; honesty, compassion, and a sincere love to the things that matter most in life.

He will be lovingly remembered by his brothers; Ken Ogren of Marcus, Iowa; Steve (and Renea) Ogren of Marcus, Iowa; Chuck (and Kay) Ogren of Marcus, Iowa; sister-in-law Sara Ogren of Exeter, Nebraska; ten nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.

In addition to his beloved parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Roger Ogren and sister-in-law Kate Ogren.

Memorials will be given to the Marcus Community Fair, Grace Methodist Church, and other non-profit organizations close to Rod.