Obituary | Rodney "Rod" L. Kosmicki of bismarck, North Dakota | Krebsbach Funeral Service (2024)

Rodney "Rod" L. Kosmicki, 88, of Bismarck, ND, made his final escape from the nursing home on July 8, 2024 in Bismarck.

A Celebration of Rods Life will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at the Rhame Legion Hall beginning at 3:00 pm M.S.T

Burial for Rod will take place at the North Dakota Veteran Cemetery in Mandan, ND, on Monday, August 5, 2024 beginning at 11:00 am C.S.T.

Rodney Louis Kosmicki, known to some as Kos, Kosmo, Papa, Rocking Rod, Hot Rod, Poppy, uncle, brother, bartender, friend and most recently Speedster, given to him by the nursing home staff in his many attempts and successful escapes from the nursing home, age 88, and a resident of Bismarck, ND, died on July 8, 2024 at St Vincents Nursing home in Bismarck, ND.

Rod was born on June 29, 1936, in Rhame, North Dakota to Emma (Rud) Kosmicki and Louie Kosmicki. He was the big brother to Lenore (Tom) Boushele, Shirley (Jerome) Jalbert, Nelda (Rudy) Susa, Virgil (Micki) Kosmicki and Dick (Julene) Kosmicki.

On May 29, 1971 he married Teresa (Kempenich) Kosmicki. Although he was pretty adamant he did not want children his cookie, Amber was born June 30, 1974 which interrupted his golf game and not wanting her to be a single child, his Ruthie, Ruth was born November 8, 1976. Thru the years he came to call another daughter his, Kari Buzalsky was a part of his family for many years. He often stumped people when they asked how many kids he had and he answered 3 girls, Amber (Dennis) Torgerson, Ruth (James) Gameon and Kari Buzalsky. Rod was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Ruth’s children John Ryan Manning (Grace), Brooke (Gameon) Petersen married to Garrett, Molly Manning (Jake) all from Three Forks, MT) and Amber’s children Tyler (Lydia) St Onge, Amara and Jaela (all of Bismarck, ND) 3 great grandchildren belonging to Brooke and Garrett, Hayzleigh, Peytyn and Greysyn. He was preceded in death by his parents Louie and Emma, his sister Nelda and husband Rudy, brother Virgil and wife Micki, brother in laws Jerome Jalbert, Tom Boushele and grandson Peyton.

Rod went to school and graduated from
 Rhame as valedictorian of his class. The Pirates were his team. I even think he cheered for the Pirates when Ruth and Amber were playing sports against them (at least he did sit on the Pirates side of the bleachers). Rod was a basketball player, his basketball career for the Pirates even took him to Germany to play basketball for the Army. Rod enlisted in the Army on September 30, 1954 and spent his time in Germany.

A few years back when asked about his prior work history Rod said, “I had a few jobs, but not too many.” Some of those few jobs were working for the Minneapolis tribune, managing the CCC Bar in Rhame, he worked in lumber mill and bar in Canada 125 miles south of Dawson creek, volunteered on the ambulance squad in Bowman and was a volunteer fireman, he was one of the “Dirty Dozen” that owned Has Beens Bar. He was an impeccable insurance agent and always looked out for his customers. When the spring storms rolled in he spent late nights writing crop hail (usually over a Christian Brothers at the bar). Even in his last days he was always arguing with family and staff at the nursing home that he had to get to work. After he retired from the Insurance business, he took 2 weeks off work before he went to serve coffee at the bar in Worden for a good friend Tom. After Tom passed away, Paula at the Longbranch snagged him up and he was there serving coffee until he just couldn’t work anymore due to health reasons. He loved visiting with people. I am sure we missed many ventures as Rod was always involved with whatever crazy scheme his friends could talk him into. His most important job was being a husband, father, Papa (grandpa) and great grandpa, along with being a brother and uncle.

He had many hobbies in life and enjoyed life. He often could be found on the golf course. Rod loved to fish and hunt and shared his joy with his daughters at a very young age. Rod was a member of the Rhame Legion, lifetime member of the Elks and VFW. He was always involved in the community and community events. He enjoyed casino games and having a Christian Brothers as well. When his grand children were little he would often be found sitting with them in his lap reading books, playing put put golf or golf, cribbage, riding bikes and going for lots of ice cream. Rod loved to watch and attend all types of sporting events. He loved Sioux hockey and went to a couple games, he enjoyed going to and watching Montana State Bobcats football when he and Teresa lived in Montana.

Trying to condense a full life of 88 years on paper is impossible. The ventures with his friends from Bowman and Rhame (stories you would think were made up but I can tell you they were true happenings) to times with his brother, Dick and friends from Billings/Worden area, memories that will be held dear to our hearts.

Memorials can be made to the Rhame Legion hall. Please wear your favorite golf shirt when you join us in Rhame

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