Merrill Rodin

Kenmare

Merrill Rodin, 92, Kenmare, ND, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Trinity Hospital in Kenmare.

Merrill Dalhart Rodin was born August 5, 1933, in Kenmare, North Dakota to Joseph Emmanuel Rodin and Alma Sophia (Ekstrom) Rodin. He attended school through 8th grade and lived and farmed his entire life in Elmdale Township.

He served in the National Guard from 1959-1965 and earned his rank of staff sergeant.

He was a member of the local county Crop Improvement Associations. He was a Ward County Supervisor for Elmdale Township for many years.

Merrill was one of the founding members of Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare where he served as a deacon. He became a member of the Gideons International in 1991, distributing Bibles throughout the area.

He married LaDonna Ilene Zimmer in Kenmare, North Dakota on June 21, 1963. They lived in Kenmare for nine years. In November 1972, they moved to his parents’ farm west of Kenmare and continued in a farming operation with his brother, Jim, for many years. He later then farmed with his son, Lenny, and his two grandsons Hunter and Jacob Rodin until 91 years of age.

Merrill was a hard worker on his farm. Even with his long hours he would put in, he always had time for his kids and grandkids. He loved treats/desserts and would never eat the last one unless he knew everyone else got one. His Faith in Jesus was precious to him. Merrill’s Faith served as the foundation for his entire life. God molded the characteristics of unselfishness, gentleness, and self-control in Merrill. His entire family was the focus of his prayer life and for that his family is thankful.

Merrill and LaDonna were blessed with 3 children, Julie (James) Vollmer, Carla (Jay) Wahlund, and Lenny (Susan) Rodin. They were blessed with 11 grandchildren, Brittany Vollmer, Caleb Vollmer, Alyssa Vollmer, Brecca Wahlund, Jaden Wahlund, Paxten (Kaia) Wahlund, Allie Wahlund, Abbie Wahlund, Hunter (Amber) Rodin, Jacob (Katelyn) Rodin, and Brooklyn Rodin; great-granddaughter, Grace Rodin; sister-in-law, Wanda Rodin.

Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alma Rodin, brother, James Rodin; sister, Vernis (Clifford) Nelson; four grandchildren, Brianna Vollmer, Michael Vollmer, Caleb Vollmer, and Alyssa Vollmer; daughter, Julie Vollmer; and son-in-law, James Vollmer.

Funeral: Monday, December 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare.

Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, Kenmare, ND.

Visitation: Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Kenmare.

Memorials: are preferred to Teen Challenge of North Dakota, 1406 2nd St NW, Mandan, ND 58554 or Cru in c/o Kody and Kimmi Keysor, 2901 Essex Loop, Bismarck, ND 58504.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com)

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 18, 2025.