Rodney Marvin Dirth, age 67, loving husband and father of three children, passed away on March 8, at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla., of cardiac arrest. Rod was born on April 28, 1953 in Burlington, Iowa, son of George and Alice (Shultz) Dirth. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1972 and went on to earn his bachelor's degrees in math, physical education and health from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He was a friend to all, an exceptional student, standout football player and All-American track and field athlete. Rod still holds the Luther College shot put record. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minn.

On Aug. 2, 1980, he married the love of his life, Geri Lou Grimm (Delaware, Iowa) and together they raised three children. They “loved what they did and did what they loved”’ together as teammates. Rod was a legendary teacher and coach for 37 years (four in Buffalo Center, Iowa, and 33 in Apple Valley, Minn.). He taught math and physical education and coached football, wrestling and track and field. Among his many accomplishments, Rod coached numerous football and track and field state qualifying teams and athletes. In 1987, Rod was inducted into the Luther College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Best known for his unconditional kindness, quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and his leadership by example, Rod was constantly serving others. Throughout his career, he spent thousands of hours working with students and athletes, mentoring young teachers and coaches, and loving and caring for his wife and children. He was a favorite with the custodial and secretarial staff at Apple Valley High School, always leaving his fresh batch of famous banana bread or fudge for them as a thank you. His love for music was apparent by the hundreds of eight track tapes and records and playing “Name the Artist and Song Title” with many.

He enjoyed watching and coaching his children in athletics and traveled across the country to cheer them on throughout their collegiate football and track and field careers. A favorite weekend each year was the end of April, where he would attend the Drake Relays, in Des Moines, Iowa.

An avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, “GO HAWKS!” you could find him attending games in Iowa City, watching Hawkeye athletic events on television or listening to “hawk talk” on the radio in the driveway while wearing one of his many Iowa hats and shirts. Family and friends looked forward to Rod’s tailgate gatherings at Iowa and Luther football games and Drake Relays. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing at the Lake of the Woods, in Baudette, Minn. He would catch, clean, and cook the most delicious fish, offering a taste test to anyone who would join him on the picnic table.

Rod welcomed neighbors and friends to pull up a chair in the driveway and spend time catching up, sharing stories, or talking about sports. On holidays with the family, you could find Rod up early cooking the turkey and ham, ensuring all was prepared in time for the meal, and later opening up a card table and chairs, playing card games for hours, laughing and enjoying one another. Rod and Geri recently relocated to Ruskin, Fla., where Rod was seen daily walking the pool and enjoying the beautiful sunshine. He touched the lives of so many at Riverside Golf and Boat Resort with his genuine and sincere personality.

A member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, Minn., Rod is survived by his wife Geri (Grimm) Dirth ‘76, and their three children Deidra (John Meyer) and future granddaughter arriving in May), Des Moines, Iowa; Dalen Dirth ‘12 (Bailey), Minneapolis, and Devin, Rosemount, Minn.; brother Jody, sister Jackie, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Alice Dirth.

A celebration of life will be held at Crystal Lake Golf Course in Lakeville, Minn., on June 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: District 196 Foundation, Dirth Athletic Scholarship, Attention: Kim Woods at 14450 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124.