OCTOBER 15, 1940 - NOVEMBER 10, 2018

Rod Kesti, age 78, a resident of Shell Lake, died on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at home surrounded by his family. 

Rodney Kesti was born on October 15, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota. He grew up in Duluth and Aurora, Minnesota where he graduated High School in 1958.  While in high school, he excelled at basketball as part of the Aurora team that went to the State Tournament in 1956.  After High School, he attended the University of Minnesota- Duluth where he studied Education.  He met his future wife, Constance “Connie” Jensen when they both worked at Camp Horseshoe near Minong, Wisconsin. They married on August 1, 1964, in Janesville, Minnesota. 

Rod began his teaching career in Duluth and Las Vegas, teaching elementary school. Rod and Connie raised five children in Eden Prairie, MN, while Rod taught in Edina Public Schools, served as a union representative, and spent the last part of his career as the Director of Human Resources.  Rod was active in his children’s sports teams and helped start the Eden Prairie youth basketball league.  He was a founding member of Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie and served on the Church Council. 

In 1999, Rod and Connie retired to Shell Lake where Rod continued to be involved in his community, serving on the Shell Lake City Council, and where they’ve enjoyed a wonderful community of friends, the beautiful northern landscape and many rounds of golf.

Rod is survived by his wife Connie, children: Ann Frett of Golden Valley, MN, Mike (Jennifer May) of Minneapolis, MN, Scott (Kaara Nilsson) of Remer, MN, Greg (Kim) of Blaine, MN, Julie (Sean Pratt) of Minneapolis, MN, 5 grandchildren: Nathan, Stephen, Olivia, Joshua, Quentin, brother Tony Strukel of Arizona, and many extended family and friends.

Rod is preceded in death by his mother Angeline Strukel, grandson Matthew, sister Linda Dahl, son in law Dennis Frett, and uncle Charles Kocjancich.

A memorial mass for Rod Kesti will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 11am, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Shell Lake with Fr. Bala as Celebrant.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 10-11am at the Church.  Inurnment will follow at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Shell Lake.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Rod’s name be made to the Shell Lake Arts Center Camp Scholarship fund.

Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:45 pm CST