Rodney Warren Van Vleet, age 84, of Lutz, FL, passed away on June 16, 2023, at Melech Hospice House, in Tampa, FL, following a long battle with dementia. He was born July 24, 1938, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to Lloyd and Florence (Swenson) Van Vleet. Even though his journey through life brought him to various destinations, his heart always remained close to home along the hills and bluffs along the Mississippi River near Trempealeau, Wisconsin.
Following graduation from Trempealeau High School in 1956, he joined the Air Force and served outside of London, England until August 1960. He then returned to attend Winona State where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He first taught in Madison, Wisconsin where he met his wife, Marcia. They lived in Hastings, Minnesota for 42 years. Rod was a teacher and high school principal during those years. He was very active in his church. He loved sports, especially the Green Bay Packers. He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading, museums, and travel. During the summer vacation months, they packed up the family and traveled the country. He loved history so his knowledge was shared along those travels.
Rod is survived by his spouse, Marcia, of Lutz, FL; his daughter Amy (Jeff) Jehl of Angola, IN; sons, Andy (Anisa) Van Vleet of Tampa, FL, Peter Van Vleet of Careferee, AZ; his grandchildren Zack, Brianna, Cora, Rome, Karen and Renee; his sister Rhea (Richard) Leisen, of Dubuque, IA; brother-in-law Jerry (Carmen) Peterson, of Hastings, MN; 4 wonderful nieces and nephews; along with many other relatives and friends.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 15th, at St Phillip’s Lutheran Church in Hastings.
Memorials are suggested to St Phillip’s Lutheran Church, 1401 15th St. W., Hastings, MN 55033 or the Hastings Area Historical Society, 101 4th St. East, Hastings, MN 55033.
