Rodney Allen Berentson

Rodney Allen Berentson died unexpectedly on June 10, 2022, in Papillion, Nebraska. He was born October 28, 1956, in Bottineau, North Dakota, to Arvid Tyrone (Tony) and Erna (Hunskor) Berentson. He graduated from Maxbass High School (North Dakota) in 1974. Rod then attended North Dakota State University – Bottineau where he studied geology and earth science. He worked in the oil industry for several years before switching to sales work.

The majority of Rod’s career was in insurance sales and he worked for Blue Cross of Wyoming, AAA of Nebraska and Farm Bureau Insurance.

After living with his children in several states including New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado and North Dakota, Rod moved to North Platte, Nebraska in 2012. He married Margaret Ziegler on June 1, 2013. In North Platte Rod worked for North Platte Public Schools in the maintenance department and he was also an activities bus driver. In 2016 Rod and Margaret moved to Papillion, Nebraska. He was employed part time at Cabela’s at the time of his death.

Rod enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and most recently ham radio.

Rod was preceded in death by his father, Tony Berentson and several uncles.

Rod leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Margaret (Ziegler) Berentson; son Matthew (Brie) and their children Frances and Jane of Port Orchard, Washington; son Aaron (Kharie) of Minot, North Dakota; and daughter Shani (Joe) and their children Luna, Leo and Loxley of Trinidad, Colorado. Rod was stepfather to Adam Ziegler of Omaha, Nebraska; Sarah Ziegler of North Platte, Nebraska; and Amy Ziegler of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Other survivors include his mother Erna Berentson of Maxbass, North Dakota; brothers Terry (Marla) Berentson of Des Lacs, North Dakota; Kelly (Lori) Berentson of Westhope, North Dakota; Eddie (Kari) Berentson of Minot, North Dakota; and his sister Krystal (Jeff Bailey) Berentson of Pipestone, Minnesota; mother-in-law Mildred Gardner of Lincoln, Nebraska; and brother-in-law Dr. John Gardner of Terre Haute, Indiana. Rod is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Services are pending with Nero Funeral Home, 402 Sinclair St, Bottineau, North Dakota 53818; (701) 228-2286; https://www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Memorials are requested to North Platte (Nebraska) Public Schools Foundation – Prepared to Learn Fund or Westhope (North Dakota) Cemetery.