Rodger Eldon Thingelstad, 73, Minot, formerly of Culbertson, MT, died Saturday, January 2, 2016 at his sister's home in Minot.

Rodger was born November 2, 1942 in Culbertson, Montana, the son of Hassell and Alma (Brekke) Thingelstad. He was raised on the family farm five miles from Culbertson, where he was raised and educated at country schools in that area. He assisted his family with the operation of the farm and learned to ride a motor bike and milk cows there.

In 1970, his family sold the farm and moved to Wolf Point, Montana. Rodger found employment there at the Catholic Church and School as a custodian and bus driver. After working there for many years, the school closed and Rodger went to work at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point. He met his future wife, Elvira Matoe and they were married for 23 years until divorcing in 2011. Rodger moved to Minot in 1994 to live closer to his father. Throughout the years in Minot, he was employed with Associated Cleaning Systems. He was proud of the fact that he had cleaned and maintained many businesses in the Minot area until retiring in 1997.

Rodger was a member of the Berean Baptist Church, Minot. He enjoyed collecting M&M figurines, listening to Christian and Country music, along with visiting with his sisters and their families.

Rodger is survived by: sisters, Betty (Mel) Harris, Billings, MT; Sharon Topp, Minot; brother, Vernon Thingelstad, Wolf Point, MT; a number of nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Rodger was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother, Harland, along with several aunts and uncles.

Funeral service: Friday, January 8, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Berean Baptist Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
The family prefers memorials.