Rodney E. Getzlaff, 73, Minot, died Thursday, October 26, 2017 in a Minot hospital.

Rodney, the son of Herman and Olga (Gjerde) Getzlaff, was born September 17, 1944 in Rugby, ND. He was raised in Willow City where he attended Willow City Public School and graduated in 1962. He furthered his education at Minot State College for a short time.

Rodney was employed at Dakota Drug, Soo Line, Morrison Knudsen at the ABM Site near Langdon, Bridgeman Creamery and at MDU for 30 years, retiring in April 2005. Following retirement, he worked at Lowes Floral and Garden, Cool Fish Refrigeration Heating and Air and he did lawn service and snow removal for several neighbors and friends.

In 1972 Rodney met his best friend and wife, Cathy Wettlaufer of Bottineau, while they were both employed at Morrison Knudsen. They were married on May 31, 1980 in Bottineau and made their home in Minot. His pride and joy were his two sons, Wade and Kyle. He would do anything for them. His famous words: "I put my boys on this earth and I will take care of them always, even when I am gone". Thank you Dad!! We love you!!

Rod was a member of the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church and the Moose Lodge. He loved to work, doing almost everything. He enjoyed watching his boys\' sporting events along with attending NHL and MLB games with them. While watching the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Dodgers he was always joined by Marley his "lap cat". I miss you Rod. Working in his and several other yards in Minot kept him busy during his retirement years. Visiting with family and friends was a "must do". He will be missed by many who knew him and called him a husband, father and friend.

Rod is survived by his wife of 37 years Cathy: 2 sons: Wade and girlfriend Krista and her 2 children, Kaylee and Corbin of Fargo and Kyle of West Fargo and cats Marley and Zoey; 2 brothers Harlan of Bottineau, Dwane (Candice) of Lake Metigoshe and sister Nyla (Tom) Kleingartner of Jamestown; sister-in-law LouAnn Getzlaff of Minot; mother-in-law Arlene Wettlaufer of Bottineau, sisters and brothers-in-law: Linda Bullinger of Minot, Betty and Sidney Paulson of Brookings, SD; Jerry and Joan Wettlaufer of Bottineau and Tom and Michele Wettlaufer of Pennington, NJ and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother Gary, brother-in-law Garry Bullinger, father-in-law Allan Wettlaufer and beloved dog Checkers.

Celebration of Life Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: Tuesday, October 31, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.