Rodney William Laakso (Rod), passed away September 10th, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Rod was born on July 18th, 1948 in Duluth MN to Elmer and Theola Laakso.  Rod graduated from Proctor High School in 1966.  Rod married Linda Caza in 1968 from whom he had three wonderful children.  Rod was employed as a manager by National Car Rental for 17 years.  Afterwards, Rod discovered a love and talent for working on vehicles as a mechanic, a trade from which he retired. 

Rod was a hard worker often working 12-16 hours a day, 7 days a week.  He was always willing to lend a hand when asked, with a vehicle problem, up until his death.  He was relegated to supervisor as his health declined, however, he still was known to have grease on his hands.  Rod had a love for fishing, camping, riding horses and riding his UTV.  Rod loved his family and  enjoyed the time he spent with them having his different adventures with each of them. Over the years, Rod had many friends that he enjoyed spending time with.

Rod is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Theola, his former wife and the mother of his children, Linda Jezierski (2024), and his former partner Bobbe Clark (2023).  

Rod leaves behind his three children, Brad Laakso (Niki), Tracy Little (Mitch), and Mark Laakso (Corrin); His four siblings, Wayne Laakso (Sharon), Duluth, Dean Laakso, Duluth, Kim Laakso Bahr (John), New Jersey,  and Sean Laakso (Lanie), Hawaii; his five Grandchildren, Grace Laakso, Connor Laakso (Raena), Matthew Little (Karlie), Carissa Little (Tanner), and Lincoln Laakso; 4 Great Grandchildren, Avery, Lakely, a baby boy due any day now, and another due April of 2026.  Papa Horsey wanted to live long enough to meet his great grandson, aka Little Bear, that was not to be, but he sure tried.  

Rod is also survived by nieces, a nephew, and cousins.  Rod will be remembered by his many friends and his family at Grace Baptist Church.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus St Lukes for his wonderful care at his end of life and  his two plus years at the Oncology Center.  We would also like to thank everyone that visited with dad in his final days of life.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday September 27th, at 2pm, at his brother Wayne and Sharon’s home, 3930 Jeffrey Rd Duluth, MN. Please bring fond memories and stories to share with the family.