Rodney Hochhalter

Rodney Hochhalter, 65, Bismarck, died May 2, 2019, at CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Monday, May 6, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 806 E. Broadway Ave., Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Sunday, May 5, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave, Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 pm.

Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck.

Rodney was born July 31, 1953, the son of Marvin and Magdalena (Schaeffer) Hochhalter.   He grew up in Bismarck, attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. Rodney worked as a career mechanic and carpenter with the majority of the time at FM Forklift.   Rodney married Dana Schmaltz in 1974 and they were blessed with two sons. He served on the Bismarck Rural Fire Department for 24 years where he finished his career as chief and won the 1998 Firefighter of the Year award. Rodney loved rock n’roll music, camping, fishing, working on old cars, attending car shows and drag racing events with his longtime companion, Liz. His grandkids were very special to him and he enjoyed watching their activities and spending time with them.

He is survived by his sons, Ryan, spouse Tara (Miller), Minneapolis, MN, and Rick, spouse Tara (Morgan), Bismarck; longtime companion, Liz Stack, Bismarck; grandkids, Kendall and Jaxon; brother, Marvin Jr. “Buzz” (Lori Rudland), Bismarck; sister, Carolyn “Cookie” (Martin) Miller, Dell Rapids, SD; aunts, Myrna Hochhalter, Wilton, and Rose Hochhalter, Mandan; Ryan and Rick’s mom, Dana Rudnick, Bismarck; “uncle” Willie (Peggy) Heupel, Bismarck; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.