Rodney “Rocky” Ehni

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, June 25, 1952
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Age:
68 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, June 25, 1952
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Age:
68 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Wednesday, June 25, 1952
Date of Death:
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Age:
68 years old

Rodney “Rocky” Ehni

Rodney (Rocky) J. Ehni, age 68, passed away on April 8th at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester Minnesota. He was born on June 25, 1952 in Fargo ND to Daniel and Marie Ehni and was the oldest of 5 boys.

Education was important to Rocky. After graduating high school from Fessenden ND, he obtained a bachelors and a masters in Agricultural Economics. Later he obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

While at NDSU he developed a love of the school and a passion for the Bison football team (pronounced Bizon please!) Tailgating and football games offered the perfect backdrop for another of Rocky’s hobbies, photography.

NDSU was the place Rocky met his beloved wife, Vanessa Belyea. They married in 1979. That fall he joined IBM which moved them from Fargo to Bismarck, Maple Grove Minnesota and finally Rochester Minnesota where they’ve resided for 30 years. Rocky retired in 2009. He earned many awards during his career with IBM.

Rocky was involved with the Cub and Boy Scout programs in Rochester earning the Scouter of the Year Award in 1998. He also coached youth baseball and football. He loved coaching and mentoring. Recently he was involved with the Citizen’s Advisory on Transit board for the City of Rochester.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, daughter Alyssa, son Bryan (Chelse’), grandchildren Selah and Soren. Also surviving are his brothers Jim (Julie), Kip (Shelly), Randy (Mary), Steve (Gina), nieces, nephews and in-laws. He is preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of life will be held in Rochester on May 15.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

The family of Rodney “Rocky” Ehni has received the following condolences.

To the Family of Rocky: Rocky roomed with me at Bison Arms apartments for a short time when I was a Graduate Student at NDSU in Ag Econ. (In the 1973 to 1975 time frame)


                                  He was from Fessenden & I am from the Brinsmade/Leeds area so we had that in common as well as Agricultual Economics majors.  Rocky was a great 


                                  roommate & he is someone I wish I had kept in contact with after NDSU.   From the obit I can tell he had a successful life/career & a great family. My      


                                 condolences to his family.  Wendell "Wiley" Herman 


                              


                                    

Our family was deeply saddened by the news of Rock’s passing. We shall be forever be in his debt as he shepherded  his son and ours through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts all the way to Eagle Scout - the highest level in Scouting. 


His love for developing young boys into young men, with character and values, is legendary. He embraced his roles as a leader, teacher and role model. An amazing man gone too soon....


 


God’s blessings to his family.


 


The Brandt’s

Vanessa and family...my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and dad.  Rod was the most gentle and kindest man I’ve ever had the blessing of knowing.  I will forever be grateful for his leadership with my son’s football career, and even teaching  the boys how to remain calm when the opposing team and coaches were playing dirty.  He always had a smile when I’d see him at the football games or the halls of IBM.  My heart aches for your loss. 

Vanessa


We are so sorry to hear of Rocks passing. I always loved his private messages to me on BV. Plus he was very funny and could do so with a straight face.


But his eyes always gave him away.


I will miss him greatly at tailgate. The TOHBTC wont be the same without him.


Again our deepest condolences.


Pat and Emily

  


 


                                                   May you feel the loving strength 


                                                    of our Heavenly Fathers arms


                                                     around you in this time of sorrow.


                                                    

So sorry for the loss of your dad Bryan and Chelse May he Rest In Peace. Prayers for your family Chelse ??????


                 Love ❤️   


                     Kathi   

Vanessa & Family,


My sincere condolences on the death of Rocky. Rocky was a friend and a brother of mine at the TKE house. He was really one of a kind. I did get a chance to see and visit with him briefly and meet you, a few years ago as he tailgated next to my son and his friends. I feel sad for your loss, but please know he bought a joy to his friends. Best wishes,


Owen

My first job out of college was at IBM in Bismarck in 1987. Rocky took me under his wing and showed me how to be a Systems Engineer, how to navigate IBM and how to work with our clients.   I have fond memories of him sitting back in his desk chair, smoothing down his tie and sharing his wisdom with me!

Vanessa and family - I was so sorry to read of Rocky’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I will miss looking over to your seats at the Bison games and seeing you two sitting there. But, hopefully Rocky can provide some coaching from heaven! May your family memories and Rocky’s photos provide you some comfort. Love,  peace and prayers to you during this difficult time.