Rodney O. Bird, age 90 years, 7 months, and 23 days, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Center in Canton, South Dakota on July 26, 2025.

Burial will be held at 11 am, Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Woodlawn, Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A celebration of life and luncheon will be held following burial at the SpringHill Suites (4304 W. Empire Pl. Sioux Falls, SD).

Honorary Pallbearers include Rodney's grandchildren, Heather, Jeremy, Kyle Rodney, Eric and Mitchell K.; great-grandchildren, Grace Loraine and Abram; nephew Chuck Bain and friend, Randy Neuberger.

Rodney O. Bird was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Kenneth "Mac" McClellan Bird and Alice Wallin. One of eight children, Rodney grew up in Sioux Falls and attended Franklin Elementary, Whittier Junior High, and graduated from Washington High School. A passionate sports enthusiast, Rodney lettered in high school sports, though baseball always held a special place in his heart.

From a young age, Rodney exemplified a strong work ethic, taking on his first job at age 14 delivering bread and newspapers. That sense of responsibility and determination followed him throughout his life.

At age 20, Rodney met the love of his life, Loraine Kay Piearson, through mutual friends during a double date. The couple married on December 12, 1954, in a special double wedding alongside Loraine's sister, Nola, and Jerome "Jerry" Medema.

Together, Rodney and Loraine raised three children: Barbara, Lorry, and Randall. Rodney enjoyed coaching youth baseball, working in the pits at the local speedway, and being an active part of his children's lives. He was a huge fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He worked for 31 years at John Morrell & Co., building a legacy of dedication and dependability.

After retirement, Rodney and Loraine moved to Arizona, where he continued working as a security guard at a nuclear power plant and later at a penitentiary. Following Loraine's passing, Rodney returned to Sioux Falls, where he worked as a delivery driver for Hy-Vee, remaining active and engaged well into his later years.

Rodney will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, zest for life, and the values he passed down to his children and grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and steadfast love for family.

Rodney is survived by his children, daughters Barbara Bray, Sioux Falls, SD and Lorry Tschetter, Sioux Falls, SD as well as son, Randall (Mary) Bird, Monroe, NC; brother Craig (Kathy) Bird, Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Beverly (William) Butler, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Heather, Jeremy, Kyle Rodney (Melissa), Eric and Mitchell K.; great-grandchildren Grace Loraine and Abram.

Rodney was preceded in death by his wife, Loraine; his parents Mac and Alice Bird; brothers, Kenneth, Daryl "Butch", sisters, Delores, Karen and Karla.