Rodney D. Ristow, Sr.

Rodney D. Ristow, Sr. 80 of Stoddard, WI passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born September 10, 1943, in Genoa, WI and graduated from La Crosse Central High School.

Rodney had worked as an assembler for the La Crosse Trane Co. for 30 years until his retirement in 2004. On December 20, 1989, he married Paula Wakefield in Viroqua, WI.

Rodney was a recovering alcoholic and was sober for 51 years. He generously volunteered many hours over the years helping others to overcome their addiction. He enjoyed deer hunting and trips to Colorado and Montana to elk hunt. He also enjoyed motorcycle trips and camping to visit family. He and Paula were able to see Yellowstone National Park, Glacier Park, the Black Hills, Yosemite National Park among others. One of his fondest memories was visiting his son Rodney, Jr. for the de-commissioning of the submarine USS Guitarro on Mare Island, California in 1991.

In addition to his wife Paula, he is survived by three children: Sheila (Chris) Bender of Pennsylvania, Rodney (Rhonda) Ristow, Jr. of Georgia and Vince (Kristie) Ristow of La Crosse; five grandchildren, Jason (Julie) Bender, Branden (Lauren) Bender, Ben Ristow, Linnea (Cody) Baggett and Fern Ristow; three great-grandchildren, Archer and Liam Bender and Amelia Baggett; five sisters, Anita Sand of La Crosse, Lois (Lee) Johnson of Holmen, Carla (Jim) Liberda of Kansas City, MO, Rhonda (Rick) White of Buffalo City, WI and Tammy Ristow of Sparta; a brother, Terry (Tara) Ristow of Idaho and several nieces, nephews and cousins; he is also survived by his best feline buddy, Mary. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Roderick Sand; a nephew, Jason Ristow; his former wife, Wanda Brandenburg and his two German Shepherds, Elsa and Heidi.

Rodney’s family would like to thank the staff at Gundersen Health System including Dr. Dolan and the staff of the I.C.U. for the care and support they gave.