Rodney A. Erkkila

Rodney A. Erkkila, 67, lifelong area resident, died Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at his home in Maple, WI. He was born in Superior, September 13, 1953, the son of Oiva and Ailie (Keto) Erkkila.

Rodney earned a diploma in mechanical drafting from WITC-Superior and worked for the State of Wisconsin D.O.T. on a survey crew on the highway 53 project in 1980. He then worked for C. G. Bretting Mfg. in Ashland as a Controls Designer starting in 1981 retiring in 2015 after 34 years. He then worked part-time for Absolut Mfg. LLC in Iron River from 2015 through 2018.

He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church where he served numerous times on the church council.

Rodney enjoyed the outdoors, especially grouse hunting. He also enjoyed shooting and collecting firearms. He also enjoyed music and was self-taught on the guitar and could also play some piano and organ. He once played the organ for a church service. His favorite musical experience was when he sang and played a song he had written at a “gong show” as part of a VICA competition at Waukesha in 1980. He tied for third for his effort, and always remembered being on stage in front of several hundred people in the audience, along with spotlights and monitor speakers in front of him as one of the most enjoyable things he had ever done.

He is survived by his cousin. Debbie Bair of Colorado; many friends and several other cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lillian.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, on Friday, October 22, 2021, at Faith Lutheran Church, 4641 County Hwy F, Maple, WI, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Service with Rev. John Hecht Knierim officiating.

At the church’s request, masks will be required for all who attend.

Burial will be in Waino Ever-Rest Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Rodney's name to Faith Lutheran Church.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com .