Rowland William Cordes, age 92, of Eitzen, Minn., died Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn.
He was born August 20, 1933, at home in rural Eitzen to William and Hilda (Beneke) Cordes. He attended primary school in Eitzen and later graduated from Caledonia High School. He served in the Army for two years. In his younger years he worked on the family farm and helped other farmers in the area. He also worked as a logger. Rowland was united in marriage to Vilas Hein on August 8, 1958. They made their home in Spring Grove, where he worked at 4 Square Coop and later managed the fertilizer division. In the summer of 1972, they moved their family to Eitzen, where Rowland was co-owner of MC Service. In later years he worked in the parts department at Link Ford and Champion Auto in La Crosse. He also worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural carrier and at the Mabel Post Office.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Vilas, and brother-in-law Norlin Hein.
He is survived by his three children: Allan (Nancy) Cordes of Eitzen, Joan (Charlie) Betz of Eau Claire, Wis., and Brian Cordes of Eitzen; five grandchildren: Anne Betz, Lucas Betz and Kyle Betz, all of Eau Claire, Brandon (Krissy) Cordes of Caledonia, Minn., and Willie (Jordan) Cordes of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and three great-granddaughters: Evelyn, Eliana and Khatira Nerbovig. He is also survived by sister-in-law Lorna (Harry) Travis of Corpus Christi, Tex., sister-in-law Sharon Hein of Eitzen, and eight nieces and nephews.
In his retirement years Rowland enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. He was active in card clubs for Sheepshead and Euchre. Rowland and Vilas visited most of the 50 states, Spain, England, Germany, Ireland, and Costa Rica. He enjoyed going out to eat breakfast and bringing home a slice of pie.
Rowland also took great pride in collecting antique John Deere tractors and participating in tractor-cades. Rowland was dedicated to public service, serving the city as a council member and city clerk, and also serving St. Luke’s Church as a council member.
He also served the community as a charter member of the Eitzen Lions.
In his youth, he enjoyed playing baseball and in later years he followed the Minnesota Twins.
Funeral services will be Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Church in Eitzen, Minn. Pastor Michael McCann will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in the St. Luke’s North Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service, at the church. A light lunch will be served after the service.
Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia, Minn., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com.
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