April 16, 2015 at 1:55 p.m.
Rodney Shogren
Rodney Shogren
Rodney was a veteran of WWII and an ex-POW; serving in the Army-Airforce. He was shot down on his 16thmission and survived 14 months in German captivity. His war experience and captivity made him appreciate life and was formative of his determination to help others. When he returned home he married Eleanor Frenning of Stacy, MN. Together they had six children, the two that he wanted and the four that she wanted. Rodney was Postmaster in Shafer, MN for 29 years and an active member of the community, participating in the Shafer commercial club, Shafer Development Corporation, Shafer Fire Department and anything else that needed to be done.
He and Eleanor were active members of the Taylors Falls VFW and the Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church. They strongly believed in giving back to their community through their volunteering and continued to add to their list of volunteer organizations after they retired. They were named Chisago County Volunteers of the year in recognition of their many hours of work. Rodney and Eleanor shared a love of dancing and would often practice their polka skills in the living room during his lunch break. Rodney loved to camp with his family and friends, as well as hunting and fishing. He was a league bowler and a golfer into his late 80’s giving it up only after they suggested he needed a second hip replaced. Rodney was an active member of the Point Pleasant Community and Vitalize Wellness center and was interviewed by WCCO for being one of the oldest members of the pool fitness group. He was also interviewed and featured in a book called the Long Hard Road; American POWs During World War ll by Thomas Saylor and a video called Behind the Wire; Allied Airmen in German Captivity in the Second World War. He also has an interview of his experiences that runs on the local cable TV access channel.
Rodney was a kind and gentle soul, who was much loved and will be missed by many.
Visitation 5-8 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom and one hour prior to service at church. Funeral Service 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.
Interment at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota. Condolences may be left online at www.grandstrandfh.com
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