Dr. Rodney Martin Borstad, Ed.D, 83, of DeKalb, Illinois, died Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center.
Born December 19, 1931, in Madison, Minnesota, the son of Martin M. and Nora O. (Haukos) Borstad, Rodney was proud of his Norwegian ancestry and his loving family. His mother introduced him to the "world of art" in a variety of ways.
He attended a one-room school for eight years, which Rodney proudly considered good years of "schooling." He graduated from Madison High School in 1949 and received his Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University in 1953. He then spent two years in the US Army, regarding the military as another good experience for learning. He received both his master's degree and his doctorate of education from University of Northern Colorado, and spent a year of post-doctorate study at New York University. He also was proud of all his students, teachers and good friends: "They have enriched my life!" he wrote.
Rodney began his teaching experience at Hibbing, Minnesota, part of the Iron Range. He served as principal of the American Community School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two years and was principal for three years in Westmont, Illinois, before joining the faculty, for 30 years, at the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. "NIU and DeKalb County have been good to me," he wrote. "I am so fortunate to have done so much travel," Rodney wrote of his extensive travels throughout the world. "Travel is the best education."
"All in all, life has been good to me! I have no regrets," he wrote, finishing with a quote from Michelangelo: "I am still learning."
Rodney thanked all of his doctors and nurses for all the wonderful care he received over the years.
Rodney is survived by his brother-in-law, Terry Wagener of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; niece, Wendy (Mark) Ness of Hugo, Minnesota; nephew, Paul (Linda) Wagener of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; great-nephews, Christopher Wagener, Nicholas Wagener and Brad Ness; great-niece, Valerie Ness; and aunt, Lucille Borstad.
He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Joan Wagener. Rodney had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 26, following visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, with full military rites. Interment of cremated remains will be October 3 at Hayden Cemetery, Madison, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dr. Rodney Martin Borstad Memorial Fund for Ellwood House Museum or DeKalb County Hospice, sent in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
Dr. Borstad was the Principal of Central School in Westmont, IL, during my younger years, in the 1960s. He and my parents had a wonderful relationship, which continued for many years after leaving Westmont and going on to reside and teach in DeKalb. I will always remember him as a positive influence on my brother, cousin, and my life. I'm 68 years old at the time of this memory and had a successful career as a law enforcement officer for 35 years. I've been retired for 15 years and will always remember Dr. Borstad as a person who guided me in the proper direction and extolled the virtues of education to everyone he had contact with.
Will Sperling
School
June 28, 2021
Rodney was a special person. I remember him from my childhood. He worked with my father, Ed Simpson, at NIU. I have fond memories of Rodney visiting our family in Cambridge, England, while my father was on sabbatical. I remember his special laughter! God bless!
Greg Simpson
January 29, 2016
Veronica Zemgulys
October 8, 2015
We are so sad to learn that Rodney passed away. He was a good and caring friend and supportive mentor, not to mention a pillar of the NIU community. We can't help but feel that a piece of DeKalb that we loved has been lost. Rodney taught us so much, not just academics, but also living life. He always had kind words to offer others, time to lend a helping hand, and a keen ability to mix a cocktail.
Mark Manivong
October 2, 2015
Rodney Borstad was one of my dear professors during my graduate student years at Northern Illinois University. He treated each of his students with great respect and care, always thinking about what was best for us and helping us consider our future career paths. He was such a futurist! I wonder how many of the "far out" ideas he shared with his students in the 1980s he lived to see become reality! Dr. Borstad opened doors in our thinking and nurtured our growth in ways that are rarely seen. He definitely was a collaborator in planning our classes and even supported meeting for class in off-campus homes for our convenience. Although I had many professors throughout my many years of school, he will remain an outstanding light in my memory. I am often reminded of his thoughtfulness when I use the crystal salt cellars he gave me when I received my doctorate...doesn't that sound like him! Always proper, always thoughtful! A dear man, a wonderful professional. We could all hope to mirror his life in our actions and relations with others. He leaves a bright light in this world.
Roberta Berglund
October 1, 2015
I met Rodney as his caregiver and formed a bond that lasted even after I moved to Geneva. He was my mentor, my good friend and my cheerleader when it came to my career in art. I miss his laugh, his caring for others and the brave way he tackled his illness head on. It was an honor to have known him. My condolences to Wendy and her family...he will be missed by all that were fortunate to have known him. Rest in peace Rodney...I know you are enjoying a gourmet meal with good friends wherever you are.
Marla Shega
September 30, 2015
Rodney was a wonderful educator, committed to lifelong learning for all learners. He cared about the people he taught, his family, and all the new friends he met on his life's path. His commitment to people throughout his life was special. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
Carole Hillman
September 23, 2015
Rodney was a good friend to our family, and my Mom, Delta Haukos, thought the world of him. He will be missed greatly.
Bonnie Rudner
September 23, 2015
Rodney was a good friend of my parents, and as such, was a part of my early life. He was always smiling, kind, and generous, making quite an impression on me. The world has lost a good man.
Carolyn Canon
September 19, 2015
Borstad Family:
Rodney was always an upbeat person,kind and full of fun. He will be missed.
God's Blessings and His Peace to your family.
Liinda Rolf Anderson
September 19, 2015
So sad to learn of Rod's passing. Upon my arrival at NIU, we shared an office suite where the offices were painted atrocious colors. Rod jokingly said Helen Keller picked out the colors. Rod was very supportive of new faculty and education organizations such as Kappa Delta Pi for which he served as advisor for many years. He served on numerous university and college committees and represented the department and college very well. Rod chaired numerous doctoral dissertations, patiently working with students. Very kind, considerate person who always met you with a smile.
Pam Farris
September 5, 2015
Rod was a valued colleague and friend. He cared for people, exemplified kindness and professionalism. And he had a fine sense of adventure and love for his students, colleagues, and friends. A genuine loss for the community. He gave of himself.
Wanda Giles
September 4, 2015
Rodney was my doctoral major professor and friend. I owe my professional career to him as my mentor. His great love of my family and encouraging ways were amazing. Thank you Professor Borstad you are always in my heart.
Dr. Don Grossnickle
September 4, 2015
Heidi and family. Please accept our condolences in the loss of Rodney. He fought a valiant battle on his terms and in his own way. I will particularly miss our political debates and the stories of his travels. He was very kind, thoughtful and generous. May he rest in peace.
Dr. Rodney Martin Borstad, Ed.D, 83, of DeKalb, Illinois, died Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center.
Born December 19, 1931, in Madison, Minnesota, the son of Martin M. and Nora O. (Haukos) Borstad, Rodney was proud of his Norwegian ancestry and his loving family. His mother introduced him to the "world of art" in a variety of ways.
He attended a one-room school for eight years, which Rodney proudly considered good years of "schooling." He graduated from Madison High School in 1949 and received his Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University in 1953. He then spent two years in the US Army, regarding the military as another good experience for learning. He received both his master's degree and his doctorate of education from University of Northern Colorado, and spent a year of post-doctorate study at New York University. He also was proud of all his students, teachers and good friends: "They have enriched my life!" he wrote.
Rodney began his teaching experience at Hibbing, Minnesota, part of the Iron Range. He served as principal of the American Community School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two years and was principal for three years in Westmont, Illinois, before joining the faculty, for 30 years, at the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. "NIU and DeKalb County have been good to me," he wrote. "I am so fortunate to have done so much travel," Rodney wrote of his extensive travels throughout the world. "Travel is the best education."
"All in all, life has been good to me! I have no regrets," he wrote, finishing with a quote from Michelangelo: "I am still learning."
Rodney thanked all of his doctors and nurses for all the wonderful care he received over the years.
Rodney is survived by his brother-in-law, Terry Wagener of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; niece, Wendy (Mark) Ness of Hugo, Minnesota; nephew, Paul (Linda) Wagener of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; great-nephews, Christopher Wagener, Nicholas Wagener and Brad Ness; great-niece, Valerie Ness; and aunt, Lucille Borstad.
He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Joan Wagener. Rodney had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 26, following visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, with full military rites. Interment of cremated remains will be October 3 at Hayden Cemetery, Madison, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dr. Rodney Martin Borstad Memorial Fund for Ellwood House Museum or DeKalb County Hospice, sent in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
Sue McKenzie (Bolt)
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/daily-chronicle/name/rodney-borstad-obituary?id=23084073
Rodney Borstad Obituary
Dr. Rodney M. Borstad
Born: Dec. 19, 1931
Died: Sept. 2, 2015
Dr. Rodney Martin Borstad, Ed.D, 83, of DeKalb, Illinois, died Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center.
Born December 19, 1931, in Madison, Minnesota, the son of Martin M. and Nora O. (Haukos) Borstad, Rodney was proud of his Norwegian ancestry and his loving family. His mother introduced him to the "world of art" in a variety of ways.
He attended a one-room school for eight years, which Rodney proudly considered good years of "schooling." He graduated from Madison High School in 1949 and received his Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University in 1953. He then spent two years in the US Army, regarding the military as another good experience for learning. He received both his master's degree and his doctorate of education from University of Northern Colorado, and spent a year of post-doctorate study at New York University. He also was proud of all his students, teachers and good friends: "They have enriched my life!" he wrote.
Rodney began his teaching experience at Hibbing, Minnesota, part of the Iron Range. He served as principal of the American Community School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two years and was principal for three years in Westmont, Illinois, before joining the faculty, for 30 years, at the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. "NIU and DeKalb County have been good to me," he wrote. "I am so fortunate to have done so much travel," Rodney wrote of his extensive travels throughout the world. "Travel is the best education."
"All in all, life has been good to me! I have no regrets," he wrote, finishing with a quote from Michelangelo: "I am still learning."
Rodney thanked all of his doctors and nurses for all the wonderful care he received over the years.
Rodney is survived by his brother-in-law, Terry Wagener of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; niece, Wendy (Mark) Ness of Hugo, Minnesota; nephew, Paul (Linda) Wagener of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; great-nephews, Christopher Wagener, Nicholas Wagener and Brad Ness; great-niece, Valerie Ness; and aunt, Lucille Borstad.
He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Joan Wagener. Rodney had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 26, following visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, with full military rites. Interment of cremated remains will be October 3 at Hayden Cemetery, Madison, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dr. Rodney Martin Borstad Memorial Fund for Ellwood House Museum or DeKalb County Hospice, sent in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Borstad
Sponsored by Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb.
Dr. Borstad was the Principal of Central School in Westmont, IL, during my younger years, in the 1960s. He and my parents had a wonderful relationship, which continued for many years after leaving Westmont and going on to reside and teach in DeKalb. I will always remember him as a positive influence on my brother, cousin, and my life. I'm 68 years old at the time of this memory and had a successful career as a law enforcement officer for 35 years. I've been retired for 15 years and will always remember Dr. Borstad as a person who guided me in the proper direction and extolled the virtues of education to everyone he had contact with.
Will Sperling
School
June 28, 2021
Rodney was a special person. I remember him from my childhood. He worked with my father, Ed Simpson, at NIU. I have fond memories of Rodney visiting our family in Cambridge, England, while my father was on sabbatical. I remember his special laughter! God bless!
Greg Simpson
January 29, 2016
Veronica Zemgulys
October 8, 2015
We are so sad to learn that Rodney passed away. He was a good and caring friend and supportive mentor, not to mention a pillar of the NIU community. We can't help but feel that a piece of DeKalb that we loved has been lost. Rodney taught us so much, not just academics, but also living life. He always had kind words to offer others, time to lend a helping hand, and a keen ability to mix a cocktail.
Mark Manivong
October 2, 2015
Rodney Borstad was one of my dear professors during my graduate student years at Northern Illinois University. He treated each of his students with great respect and care, always thinking about what was best for us and helping us consider our future career paths. He was such a futurist! I wonder how many of the "far out" ideas he shared with his students in the 1980s he lived to see become reality! Dr. Borstad opened doors in our thinking and nurtured our growth in ways that are rarely seen. He definitely was a collaborator in planning our classes and even supported meeting for class in off-campus homes for our convenience. Although I had many professors throughout my many years of school, he will remain an outstanding light in my memory. I am often reminded of his thoughtfulness when I use the crystal salt cellars he gave me when I received my doctorate...doesn't that sound like him! Always proper, always thoughtful! A dear man, a wonderful professional. We could all hope to mirror his life in our actions and relations with others. He leaves a bright light in this world.
Roberta Berglund
October 1, 2015
I met Rodney as his caregiver and formed a bond that lasted even after I moved to Geneva. He was my mentor, my good friend and my cheerleader when it came to my career in art. I miss his laugh, his caring for others and the brave way he tackled his illness head on. It was an honor to have known him. My condolences to Wendy and her family...he will be missed by all that were fortunate to have known him. Rest in peace Rodney...I know you are enjoying a gourmet meal with good friends wherever you are.
Marla Shega
September 30, 2015
Rodney was a wonderful educator, committed to lifelong learning for all learners. He cared about the people he taught, his family, and all the new friends he met on his life's path. His commitment to people throughout his life was special. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
Carole Hillman
September 23, 2015
Rodney was a good friend to our family, and my Mom, Delta Haukos, thought the world of him. He will be missed greatly.
Bonnie Rudner
September 23, 2015
Rodney was a good friend of my parents, and as such, was a part of my early life. He was always smiling, kind, and generous, making quite an impression on me. The world has lost a good man.
Carolyn Canon
September 19, 2015
Borstad Family:
Rodney was always an upbeat person,kind and full of fun. He will be missed.
God's Blessings and His Peace to your family.
Liinda Rolf Anderson
September 19, 2015
So sad to learn of Rod's passing. Upon my arrival at NIU, we shared an office suite where the offices were painted atrocious colors. Rod jokingly said Helen Keller picked out the colors. Rod was very supportive of new faculty and education organizations such as Kappa Delta Pi for which he served as advisor for many years. He served on numerous university and college committees and represented the department and college very well. Rod chaired numerous doctoral dissertations, patiently working with students. Very kind, considerate person who always met you with a smile.
Pam Farris
September 5, 2015
Rod was a valued colleague and friend. He cared for people, exemplified kindness and professionalism. And he had a fine sense of adventure and love for his students, colleagues, and friends. A genuine loss for the community. He gave of himself.
Wanda Giles
September 4, 2015
Rodney was my doctoral major professor and friend. I owe my professional career to him as my mentor. His great love of my family and encouraging ways were amazing. Thank you Professor Borstad you are always in my heart.
Dr. Don Grossnickle
September 4, 2015
Heidi and family. Please accept our condolences in the loss of Rodney. He fought a valiant battle on his terms and in his own way. I will particularly miss our political debates and the stories of his travels. He was very kind, thoughtful and generous. May he rest in peace.
Mary McIllece, Visiting Angels
September 3, 2015
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Sue McKenzie (Bolt)
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/daily-chronicle/name/rodney-borstad-obituary?id=23084073Rodney Borstad Obituary
Dr. Rodney M. Borstad
Born: Dec. 19, 1931
Died: Sept. 2, 2015
Dr. Rodney Martin Borstad, Ed.D, 83, of DeKalb, Illinois, died Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center.
Born December 19, 1931, in Madison, Minnesota, the son of Martin M. and Nora O. (Haukos) Borstad, Rodney was proud of his Norwegian ancestry and his loving family. His mother introduced him to the "world of art" in a variety of ways.
He attended a one-room school for eight years, which Rodney proudly considered good years of "schooling." He graduated from Madison High School in 1949 and received his Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University in 1953. He then spent two years in the US Army, regarding the military as another good experience for learning. He received both his master's degree and his doctorate of education from University of Northern Colorado, and spent a year of post-doctorate study at New York University. He also was proud of all his students, teachers and good friends: "They have enriched my life!" he wrote.
Rodney began his teaching experience at Hibbing, Minnesota, part of the Iron Range. He served as principal of the American Community School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two years and was principal for three years in Westmont, Illinois, before joining the faculty, for 30 years, at the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. "NIU and DeKalb County have been good to me," he wrote. "I am so fortunate to have done so much travel," Rodney wrote of his extensive travels throughout the world. "Travel is the best education."
"All in all, life has been good to me! I have no regrets," he wrote, finishing with a quote from Michelangelo: "I am still learning."
Rodney thanked all of his doctors and nurses for all the wonderful care he received over the years.
Rodney is survived by his brother-in-law, Terry Wagener of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; niece, Wendy (Mark) Ness of Hugo, Minnesota; nephew, Paul (Linda) Wagener of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; great-nephews, Christopher Wagener, Nicholas Wagener and Brad Ness; great-niece, Valerie Ness; and aunt, Lucille Borstad.
He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Joan Wagener. Rodney had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 26, following visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, with full military rites. Interment of cremated remains will be October 3 at Hayden Cemetery, Madison, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dr. Rodney Martin Borstad Memorial Fund for Ellwood House Museum or DeKalb County Hospice, sent in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
Published by Daily-Chronicle on Sep. 19, 2015.