Rodney L. Rollins

Rodney L. Rollins, 87, of Preston, formerly of Mabel, died Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Gundersen Harmony Care Center with his wife at his side.   

Rodney was born December 23, 1937, in Prosper, Minn., to Royal and Borghild (Narum) Rollins. He graduated from the Mabel High School in 1956. He then hauled milk with his father and then did various jobs in Rochester before returning to farm in the Mabel area. Rodney had three daughters with his first wife, and two daughters with his second wife. On July 14, 1990, he married Diane Peterson Bakke. They moved to Livingston, Mont., where he worked at the John Deere dealership for several years. They later moved to Preston, Minn., where he worked at Preston Equipment until his retirement. In retirement, Rodney and Diane spent 14 winters in Mission, Tex. He enjoyed helping on a local farm, golfing, watching western movies, motorcycling, riding his John Deere mower, and just operating any type of machine.  

Rodney is survived by his wife Diane of Preston, daughters Sandra (Mark), Sheila (Dino), Sara, Stacy, and Sherry (Andy); two stepsons Troy (Tricia) Bakke and Stacey (MariLyn) Bakke; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister Sharon (Don) Larson, sisters-in-law Deb Baker and Laurie (Joe) Bolduan, and brother-in-law Dean (Lorri) Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Arlie Blexrud; and brother-in-law Glenn Baker.

Celebration of life will be 1-3 p.m., Sunday, December 14 at the Preston Golf and Country Club with a short service at 1 p.m.  Burial will be at a later date in the Crown Hill Cemetery in Preston. Special thanks to the staff at the Harmony Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.