Rodney E. Deiter, 69, of Paradise Valley, AZ, formerly of Faulkton passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024, at his home of natural causes. A graveside memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Faulkton, SD, at a later date.

Rod was born September 19, 1954, in Faulkton, South Dakota, to Doyle and Jean (Duncan) Deiter. He wasraised on the family farm and graduated from Faulkton High School in 1972.
After graduation Rod attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He was an active member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and kept in touch with many frat brothers. While at USD, he performed and was involved in “Strollers”, an honorary organization that produced an annual variety show with community outreach. Upon graduating from USD, Rod was employed at the University of Sioux Falls as an admissions counselor. He enjoyed recruiting new students from South Dakota and the surrounding area. Following USF, he moved to California near his aunt and uncle to pursue a master’s degree from Sacramento State. While obtaining his master’s, Rod started his nearly 30-year career in Human Resources with Government Agencies in California.

Upon retirement, Rod moved back to Sioux Falls, SD. He enjoyed this opportunity to take part in many of his great nieces and nephews’ activities and reconnect with family and old friends. After enduring four South Dakota winters, he made the decision to move to the Valley of the Sun in Arizona. Rod enjoyed meeting new friends and connecting with snowbird friends each winter for the next five years.

Rod loved to travel and enjoyed visiting and learning the history of many places around the world. He also had a passion for sports, especially baseball. Rod visited many Major League ballparks around the country and had fond memories of playing all levels of baseball including American Legion and with the Town Team in Faulkton. He followed a multitude of sport teams and could recite endless stats surrounding them all. Some of his favorites include USD Yotes (OK, Jacks too!); Nebraska Huskers; Minnesota Twins and Vikings; and his hometown Faulkton Trojans.

Rod made it a priority to keep in touch with family and friends. He never missed family gatherings, special events, or school reunions. True to his roots, he always welcomed a good visit to his hometown.

Rod is survived by his mother, Jean Deiter of Faulkton, SD; siblings: Linda (Jeff) Erickson of Sioux Falls, SD, Jill (Mike) Allen of Grinnell, IA, and Larry Deiter of Pierre, SD; 10 nieces and nephews, 20 great nieces and nephews, and many cousins. While in California, Rod was welcomed into Uncle Jim and Aunt Arlene Jarvis’ family. He especially enjoyed the friendship of cousins, Mike and Scott.

He was preceded in death by his father, Doyle Deiter; grandparents; numerous aunts and uncles; and most recently a special cousin, Roger Deiter.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton have been entrusted with Rod’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

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