Rodney A. Maguire

Rodney Arthur Maguire, age 92 of Walnut Grove, died Tuesday, November 19, 2019 while surrounded by his family at the Westbrook Good Samaritan Care Center.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 25 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Westbrook.  Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 24 at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.  Burial is in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Walnut Grove.  Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Rodney Arthur Maguire was born May 9, 1927 on the family farm near Walnut Grove, Minnesota to Anthony and Adelia (Ziemke) Maguire.  He attended Walnut Grove High School and graduated in 1945.  Rodney enlisted in the US Army and served as a medic during the Korean Conflict.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to the Walnut Grove area.  On August 19, 1950, Rodney was united in marriage to Kathleen Dietz in Minneota, Minnesota.  Rodney drove school bus for 50 years and farmed the family farm until his retirement.  He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the American Legion in Walnut Grove.  For over 30 years, Rodney sang in the Marshall Area Men’s Chorus, and his musical talent also included playing the piano by ear.  Rodney was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and trap shooting.  He was also a golden glove boxer.  Rodney enjoyed making knives and carving canes out of diamond willow branches.

Rodney is survived by his children: Paul (Donna) Maguire of Roseboro, NC, Jocelyn (Tim) Wester of Westbrook, Peter (Faith) Maguire of Walnut Grove, Laurie (Justin) Jacobson of Detroit Lakes, Rhonda (Jeff) Wilber of Sioux Falls, SD; 11 grandchildren: Patrick, Jared, Angie, Ben, Gretchen, Anthony, Nicki, Leslie, Zachary, Ashlee, and Lucas; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sisters: Shirley Gazzola of Mankato, and Ramona Tauer of Luck, WI; sister-in-law Marilyn Maguire of Roseville; and many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathleen, brother Norman Maguire, and 2 sisters: Arlene “Honey” Zabell and Rosemary “Midge” Brill.