Terry Rodman

Jule Terrance Rodman, better known as "Terry," was born on April 17, 1945, in Miller, SD, to William and Lois (Morgan) Rodman. He passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Terry grew up on a small family ranch south of Ree Heights, SD, and attended a one-room country grade school. He and his two brothers very much grew up on the "frontier" where for several of their earliest years they lived with no running water, electricity or indoor plumbing. He told stories of being pulled to school in the winter with a bobsled and horses, driving cattle each spring and fall on saddle horses, and heating the house and cooking with firewood and a pot belly stove. 

Terry graduated from Highmore High School, (class of 1963), followed by the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND where he graduated from the Machine Shop & Welding program (1965). He served in the Air Force from 1965 to 1969 where he was stationed in Texas for two years. He married his first wife, Jan Freesemann of Estelline, SD, in 1966, then served his remaining two years as an airplane mechanic in Frankfurt, Germany. His first son, Shannon, was born in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1969.

After returning home to the States, two more children, Shawna and Jason were born to Jan and Terry.

Terry purchased the welding shop in Jasper, MN in 1970, which had been a dream of his since the 8th grade. Rodman Welding & Mfg. specialized in developing innovative agricultural products and was well known across the region for 40 years as being the place to go for impossible jobs and projects - whether it was repairing equipment or bringing new ideas to life, "bring it to Rodman" was the answer to a lot of problems. Terry had an insatiable appetite for learning and teaching, much of which took place on-the-job and where he mentored many young men while giving them second chances - even picking a few up from jail each morning to go to work. 

After retiring in 2009, Terry promptly started an equally challenging and rewarding endeavor, Rodman Windmills, which he worked on almost daily for the next 16 years. Over this time he found, restored and erected more than 40 unique windmills from 10 countries, one over 50 feet high, and sometimes shipping them in pieces by boat across the ocean. He also took down, repaired and re-installed scores of farm windmills. In some ways this became his life's work, which can be viewed at his property just north of Jasper. In 2024, Terry's children helped him realize his dream of hosting the 35th Annual International Windmill Trade Fair, where over 150 windmillers from several countries and over 35 states gathered to admire and discuss his expansive collection.

Since 1971, Terry has been active in the SD Ironsmiths & Weldors Association, serving in roles as President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, National Director, and on the Board of Directors. He also served as President and Secretary-Treasurer of the National Blacksmiths & Welders Association. Terry was very active in the Jasper community, serving many years on the Jasper Volunteer Fire Dept., Lions Club, Development Corp. Board of Directors, and the Building Committee for the Sunrise Village Assisted Living facility. He was also a member of the Jasper Methodist Church and owned and operated Rodman Lumber for many years.

On March 22, 1986, he married Kristine (Dykstra) Gabrielson of Luverne, MN. Together they traveled to hundreds of destinations abroad and domestically, mostly asking questions about and taking pictures of welding shops and windmills, much to the dissatisfaction of whomever he was traveling with (mostly his children). He enjoyed downhill skiing, photography, camping, working on his home and acreage, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Kris, three children, Shannon (Nikki) of Sioux Falls, SD, Shawna (Rick) of Brookings, SD, and Jason of Seattle, WA; seven grandchildren, Bailey, Brenna, Briley, and Barrett Rodman, Alexis and Jace Vomacka, and Nora Rodman; two brothers, Bob (Connie) of Fargo, ND and Barry (Connie) of Watertown, SD; sisters-in-law, Mary Dykstra and Ann (Peter) Cope; six nieces; and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Reta Rodman; and brother-in-law, John Dykstra.

The following link will take you to a playlist of youtube videos featuring Terry and his windmills.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9gSPudFyEs-KotjUwYuVueF5K0EJAhEW&si=vjR7vUEcbcCH3d4w