Obituary of Rodney J. Heidenson

Rodney J. Heidenson, age 49, of Yankton, SD passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at his residence after a battle with cancer. Visitations will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Sunday, September 7, 2014 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, with a video tribute and memory sharing at 7:00 PM. Burial of his cremated remains will be at a later date. Rod was born to Rodney A. and Elaine (Kuchta) Shadbolt in Elk Point SD. Rod was later adopted by Steven and Deb Heidenson as a young boy. Rod worked numerous jobs ranging from construction to tower systems, but ended at Blattner Energy as an Electrical Superintendent which kept him on the road most of the time. In Rod's free time he loved to spend time with his family playing cards, fishing, being out on the boat and riding his victory motorcycle. When Rod was home, he enjoyed trying different recipes with ribs and smoking them. He was a beloved fiancé, father, uncle, and friend. Rod is survived by his fiancé, Michelle Townsend who he has spent the last fifteen years building a home in Yankton with their daughter Tiffany Townsend and their three dogs: MR.T, Orrio and Ruffus. He is also survived by two sons, Casey and Trinity Shadbolt; one granddaughter, Krissa; sisters: Kim (David Simonson), Tami (Ron Heiter), Jenne (Matt Lueker) and one brother, Max Heidenson; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Jennifer Townsend and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Rodney Shadbolt, mother, Elaine Bradshaw, and nephew, Zachary D. Schultz. Rod was a man that was full of life and always wanted to have a good time. He cared and loved everyone that he knew and appreciated every person in his life. He is now at peace but his spirit will live on through us all and he will truly be missed but not forgotten.