John Rodney Rod Kulstad, 93
John Rodney Kulstad, “Rod,” passed away peacefully at his home in Stevensville, Mont., on June 19, 2013. He was in the company of his loving children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Alan in January of 2010 and his wife of almost 69 years, Kate, in October of 2011.
Rod was born in Bend, Ore., on July 29, 1919, to Maud and Harry Kulstad. He was the youngest and last living of three children. In the mid ’20s, his family moved to Missoula, Mont. Rod attended Cold Springs Elementary School and after graduation attended Missoula High School. His family relocated to Coeur d’Alene and Rod graduated from high school there in 1938.
Rod met the love of his life there, Kathleen Mooney, and they were married on Dec. 19, 1942, and started their life together in Seattle, Wash. Their first two children, Rodney and Diane, were born there. During their stay in Seattle, Rod served in World War II as a Merchant Marine in the Aleutian Islands, engaged in the defense effort. In 1947, they relocated to Three Forks, Mont. and on to Helena for work. Their son Alan was born there in 1952. They then relocated to Missoula and bought a place in Target Range where their daughter Janice was born. In 1971, they relocated to Stevensville, where they bought a larger place so they could garden, raise hay and cattle. Their garden and especially the corn patch were legendary and eagerly anticipated each year by friends and family. Rod was an avid fisherman, hunter and trapper his entire life and spent a great part of it enjoying what Montana had to offer with his family.
Rod is survived by his son Rodney and wife Vicki, daughter Diane Bryjak and husband George, daughter Janice Tripp and partner Peter Krasen, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Stevensville on Aug. 17, 2013, at 10 a.m. with reception following at the family residence, 606 College St.
Donations in Rod’s name may be made to Aspen Hospice, 107 Bell Crossing, Stevensville, MT 59870.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.