Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Rodney Swartzenberger
Rod will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 23 years, Brenda; his daughters, Sierra and Ashlyn; his mom, Shirley; sisters: Cheryl (Garry) Gudmundson, Lorna (Bernie) Wyrostok, and Judy Schimanski; brother-in-law, Wayne Koyata; mother-in-law, Shirley Malmas; and brother-in-law, Troy (Patti) Malmas, along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Rod will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 23 years, Brenda; his daughters, Sierra and Ashlyn; his mom, Shirley; sisters: Cheryl (Garry) Gudmundson, Lorna (Bernie) Wyrostok, and Judy Schimanski; brother-in-law, Wayne Koyata; mother-in-law, Shirley Malmas; and brother-in-law, Troy (Patti) Malmas, along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his dad, Henry; infant brother, Ron; father-in-law, Jack; and brother-in-law, Mike.
Rod was born in Calgary but raised on a farm near Park Lake before moving to Lethbridge at age 15. He had many fond memories of farm life growing up and enjoyed a variety of sports, but especially loved playing hockey. Rod received his journeyman carpentry ticket and spent most of his career working in commercial construction, much of it as a job site superintendent with Ward Bros. Construction. For the past several years, he worked as a Facilities Services Supervisor with Palliser School Division.
Rod’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who never missed a school event and loved watching his girls play volleyball over the years. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment and legacy was building a cabin in the mountains for the family to spend time together. The cabin was his labor of love and his happy place.
A Celebration of Rodney’s life will be held at UNIVERSITY DRIVE ALLIANCE CHURCH, 55 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with Travis Holownia officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Rodney’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca)
Guestbook (29)
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Brenda, family and friends. I was saddened to hear about Rod's passing. I remember all our fun times at the EFMA meetings and conferences. Lots of fun times. Holly and I both pass on our condolences.
We were shocked to learn of Rod's recent passing. Our most sincere condolences to the Swartzenberger family at this sad time. He was one of the good guys & will be missed by many.
Sending our thoughts, prayers & deepest condolences.
We are so very sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. Rod was like a celebrity, here in Lethbridge, meaning he was well known and respected. Condolences to Brenda and girls.
Our deepest condolences Brenda,Sierra and Ashlyn, Rod rest in peace from your doggy neighbours Gus and Stephanie
We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Rod was a generous and helpful guy and will be missed by all.
Shirley and family, we were so sorry to hear about Rodney.thoughts and prayers are with you
So sorry to hear of Rod's passing. I had the pleasure to work directly with Rod early on in his construction career. Every once in a while I would bump into him and we would reminisce about old times. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
We are deeply saddened and extend our deepest sympathies to you all for the loss of Rod. May the love and memories you all shared provide comfort and support in the days ahead. Grant and Carrie Gataiant & Floyd Pederson.
Sorry for your loss. Rod was a great husband, father, and friend!
Brenda and family, we are deeply saddened to hear about Rods passing. Rod was the first neighbour we met after purchasing our lot at Silver Springs and we always looked forward to chatting with him (and seeing Charlie) when we stopped by to check on our lot. As we prepared to build our house, Rod always offered to lend a hand and provide guidance from his home building and carpentry expereince. It breaks our heart knowing that we wont be able to enjoy a cold beer with him on our deck while admiring the beautiful views of the Elk River, but will think of him often when we look next door to the beautiful cabin he built with his family. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Kevin and Lori
Rod, you were always full of life, friendly and willing to go the extra mile to help people out. You and your smile will be missed.
Rest easy buddy.
Rod was a great guy willing to help anyone we had great fishing trip on the elk & michele rivers. Also botche in our yard he was a just a great guy sorry to see him go so soon. Pat & Rose
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rod. He was a remarkable person who inspired and touched the lives of so many. I will always remember his kindness, laughter, and infectious enthusiasm. Rod had a tremendous impact on AEFAA and on me personally. Thank you, Rod, for everything you did for me. Your support and kindness will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Rod.
So sorry to hear about Rod. This was a surprise to say the least. He was a great guy and I had the pleasure of working under him on several projects when he was at Ward Bros. The word sorry just doesn't do justice but it's all I can offer. My condolences. Remi
Rest easy Rod. You were definitely one of the good ones. Condolences to all of the family. Love from the Farrell's in Nova Scotia.
We are deeply saddened to hear of Rod Passing. Over the years we had the privilege of working with Rod, sharing not just business, but many meaningful conversations and joyful moments at the AEFAA Conventions. Rod brought a warmth and sense of humor that made those times memorable for all of us. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Rod will be greatly missed by all of us at CDI Spaces and Rod's positive spirit will always be remembered. With Heartfelt sympathy Gladys Hrabec CDI Spaces and Staff
Hello Wendy, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow, and not just now, no, for all time. Daniel & Margaret Dyck. La Crete, Alberta. 780-841-2910 danielandmargaretdyck@outlook.com
On behalf of my entire family I send the deepest condolences to your family. Rod was a great friend who was always making people laugh, and there to help. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
My deepest condolences to Brenda, Sierra and Ashlyn, and extended family. Rod was an amazing man, devoted dad, and an excellent boss. I will miss him every day in our little corner office. It was an honor to know him. Praying for you during this most difficult time. ❤️
It was an absolute pleasure working in commercial construction with Rod over the past 20 years. He had a kind demeanour, great sense of humour and a high work ethic. He will be missed. My thoughts are with Brenda and the girls, whom he spoke of often. Rod was a good man.
My thoughts are with each and every one of you.
Rest in Peace, my friend. I cannot believe that you are gone.
I extend my sincere sympathy to Shirley and family on the passing of Rodney. I have known Shirley for over fifty years.
One hell of a man. Worked with him lots and am sorry to read this. My condolences to his family
We’re so sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. Thinking of you all, and sending much love!❤️
Sad to hear. He was great to talk with at volleyball.