Roderick "Rod" Valentine Rissling

Roderick “Rod” Valentine Rissling, passed away peacefully on March 18th, 2021, at Battlefords Union Hospital at the age of 87.

Rod was born on November 5, 1933, at Macklin SK.  He was the eldest son of Joseph Rissling and Agatha Weber of Denzil, SK.  Rod took over the family farm for many years, raising grain, cattle, and hogs.  He married Rosa Benz in November of 1964.  They were blessed with two daughters, Dana and Lori. 

Rod and Rose retired from farming in 1984, moving to Battleford, SK.  It was then that Rod began his second career as a pulse crop grain buyer for Parkland Pulse.  He thoroughly enjoyed working for the Fransoo family and valued their friendship over the years.  Rod was well known in the farming area around North Battleford as he travelled the countryside in his little red truck, searching out pulse crops. 

Rod was a very social and outgoing person.  He had a tremendous number of friends and acquaintances. He was an active member of St. Vital Parish in Battleford and in the Knights of Columbus, serving as a 4th Degree member. 

Rod was so very fortunate to find a second love in his life.   After being widowed in 2001, he met Mariette Blais.  They were married in 2005 and spend 16 happy years together. Rod and Mariette enjoyed dancing and hosting Happy Hour in their backyard.  He, of course, served his delicious homemade wine, and if you were lucky, he would send a bottle or two home with you.  Rod was a true gentleman, who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Rod is survived by his loving wife, Mariette Blais,

His children, Dana Rissling, and Lori (Jeffrey) Wheaton, and fur grandson, Jack.

His Stepchildren, Bernie (Giselle) Blais; Lenny (Paulette) Blais; Danny (Nicole) Blais; Jocelyn (Rick) Iverson. 

His brothers in law, Gene Benz; Irvin (Marnie) Benz; Linus (Jane) Benz; as well as nieces and nephews. 

Grandpa Rod is also survived by Mariette’s 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each of them had a special place in his heart.

Rod was predeceased by his wife, Rosa Rissling,

His parents, Joseph and Agatha Rissling.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the St.Vital Roman Catholic Church with Father Sebastian Kunnath as celebrant. A luncheon for friends and family will follow the service at the St.Vital Hall; private family interment to follow. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the Battlefords Humane Society Po Box 645 North Battleford, SK  S9A 2Y7  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium