Rodney Donald Umlauf ("Hatch", "Hot Rod"), 73 passed away on January 29, 2026 at his home in Perham, MN, surrounded by his family after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Rodney was born to Alden and Donna (Nelson) Umlauf on July 20, 1952 in Fergus Falls, MN. He grew up in Carlisle Township along with five brothers.

Rodney graduated in 1971 from Fergus Falls High School. Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served from 1972-1976 and was stationed in Germany.

After returning home, Rodney worked as a farm laborer and continued to do this for many years. He was united in marriage to Cindy (Seger) on September 19, 1980 in Fergus Falls, MN. Together they have two children, Lindsey Jo, and Todd. They made their home in rural Campbell, MN for several years. Rodney was a member of the ND National Guard during 1989 and 1990.

In 1993, Rodney and his family moved to the Perham area. He continued to work as a farm laborer. He loved and had a strong passion for farming. Eventually, Rodney began to drive truck over the road. He drove for 20 years, making it to all the lower 48 states before retiring. After retirement he went back to doing seasonal farm laborer work until his health declined. In the late 1970's Rodney started doing sugar beet harvest and did so for many, many years. He worked his last five years of beet harvest alongside his son-in-law, Allen. Rodney always looked forward to this season of beet harvest.

Rodney cherished spending time with his wife Cindy, children, grandchildren, and more recently his great grandson, all of which he adored. He loved having great conversations with his family and friends. He had the best stories to tell, often adding in some of witty humor. He enjoyed giving nicknames to his family and friends, especially to his children and grandchildren.

Rodney had a knack for his mechanic/handy man abilities. Often inventing/fixing various things. He looked forward to time in the shop tinkering on projects, fixing on cars, and trucks or sometimes just "stoking" the stove. He often enjoyed doing these things alongside his son, son in law, and grandchildren. Rodney never passed up an opportunity to help or get his hands dirty. He also enjoyed lunch dates with his wife and daughter.

Throughout his years you could find him enjoying NASCAR, the Minnesota Vikings and watching his grandkids sporting events. Some of Rodney's favorite time spent was with family; fishing in his Lund boat, ice fishing, deer hunting, and their South Dakota pheasant hunts. A nice day on the patio visiting with a cup of coffee was also a great day spent for Rodney.

Rodney's big heart, memorable laugh, and fun-loving personality will be treasured in our hearts forever. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Rodney was baptized in Christ in May of 2021 in Perham.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy of 45 years; daughter, Lindsey Jo (Allen) Willprecht; son, Todd (Brooke) Umlauf; grandchildren, Jace (Miranda) Willprecht, Reese (Kennedy) Willprecht, Tate Willprecht, Jett Umlauf, Ayden Willprecht, Teagyn Sandford, Alex Kopischke, and Chase Kopischke; great grandson, Tobias Rodney Ray Willprecht; his brothers, Richard Umlauf, Bill (Marsha) Umlauf; several sisters and brothers-in-law; many nieces, nephews; and a host of dear friends. 

Preceding Rodney in death were his parents; Alden and Donna Umlauf; brothers, Michael Umlauf, Greg Umlauf and Karl Umlauf; his mother and father-in-law, Robert and Phyllis Seger.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.