Rod Partlow

Rodney W. "Rod" Partlow, 61, rural Grand Forks, ND died Wednesday, August 12, 2009 in the Hennepin County Medical Center of Minneapolis, MN as a result of burn injuries sustained in a mowing accident. Rod was born November 2, 1947 in Grand Forks, the son of William and Donna (Brenna) Partlow. He attended Brenna Elementary #13, a one room country school and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1965. Rod attended UND and graduated from Aaker's Business College. He was employed by National Tea, Bekins, local farms and for 27 years as a truck driver for Armour and Co., which later became Con-Agra Professional Foods. Rod loved rural life. As a young person he enjoyed membership in Brenna Livestock 4-H, played softball and hockey on the local frozen coulee. He was a life member of Evanger Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed, served as an usher and a former church council member. Rod's current enjoyment included solving the daily crossword puzzle, playing a good game of Scrabble, furniture refinishing and long telephone visits. Survivors include his mother, Donna Partlow, rural Grand Forks, ND; sister, Roxanne Fiala, Grand Forks; nephews, Ryan (Amy) Rudolph, Gulfport, MS and James (Jamie) Fiala, Bellevue, WA; niece, BreAnna Fiala, Grand Forks; great nephew and niece, Riley and Skylar: and special aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rod was preceded in death by his father, William Partlow and by his grandparents.