Rodney D. Aden, 96, of Gothenburg passed away on July 29, 2026 surrounded by his family at Gothenburg Health.

He was born on March 22, 1930 with his twin brother to Arthur and Hanna Aden. Rodney attended the Valley Country School and later Gothenburg High School.

Following graduation, Rodney was drafted into the Army in 1951, alongside his brother Roger, they were trained at Fort Riley, Kan. as infantry. Following training they were sent to Japan and were trained as front line medics. They were sent to Korea where they served the 8th Army 561st Medical Ambulance Company. Rodney and Roger were able to serve their entire time together, serving two years before returning home in 1953.

Upon returning home from deployment, he joined his father and brother farming on the family farm. He was married to the love of his life, Arlene Block, on Sept.6, 1953. They would have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary next month. To this union, four children were born: Mark, DeAnn, James and Cathleen.

Rodney was a lifelong member of American Lutheran Church. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Christ Lutheran, now American Lutheran Church. He served on the Church council, and served many other committees through the years. He was an active member of the Nebraska Stock Growers and the National Cattlemen’s Committee. Rodney was state president and served on the National Committee. In 2016, Rodney was inducted into the Dawson County Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame for his contributions to the beef industry. Rodney also served on the Lions Club and was a charter member of the Gothenburg Flying Club. He earned his private and commercial license and helped Roger Peden with charter flights. He also served as a Dawson County Commissioner.

Recently, Rodney enjoyed hunting and fishing, and found a hobby making metal crosses to give away, giving away more than a hundred over the years.

Rodney was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather and had so much God-given patience. He will always be remembered as a pleasant and kind person with a good attitude and respect. He could always find the good in every person. He loved to share and was always a generous giver. He had a strong faith and loved his church. He lived a God-fearing life and wanted his children and grandchildren to do the same. He and Arlene did daily devotions since the day they were married.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law Ricus and Elizabeth Block, two grandsons Joseph Fredrickson, and Isaiah Aden, twin brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Shirley Aden, his sister and brother-in-law Karen and Carroll Mannon, sister-in-law, Carol Aden, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Gerri and Don Kampe, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Virgil and Helen Block, and brother-in-laws Vernon Block, Archie Block, and Alvin Block.

Survivors include his wife Arlene of Gothenburg, sons, Mark (Patti) Aden of Gothenburg, Jim (Lichelle) Aden of Gothenburg, daughters, DeAnn (Rick) Ostergard of North Platte, Cathleen (Lane) Handke of Pierce, 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brother, Keith (Marcy) Aden of Gothenburg, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church with the family present.

Funeral services will be held, Monday, Aug. 3, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church with Pastors Doug Hjelmstad and Steve Burke officiating,

Burial will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials may be sent in Rodney’s honor to the American Lutheran Church, or the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department.

Online condolences may be left for the family at blasestrauser.com

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