05/27/2026
Rodney Dale Seder, lovingly known to family and friends as “Rod,” passed away on May 21, 2026, following complications from an illness. He was 63 years old.
Rod was born on December 20, 1962, to Bob and Betty J (Uffelman) Seder in Hardin, Montana, where he built the foundation of the life he would become known for: genuine, loyal, hardworking, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. He graduated from Hardin High School in 1981 and later attended Eastern Montana College earning his living by washing windows and working as a bouncer until graduating with a bachelor's degree in biology.
Rod spent his working career with CarQuest Trucking and later for MaxWay Freight, beginning as a driver and eventually rising to supervisor through dedication, reliability, and leadership. He earned the respect of coworkers and friends alike through his steady character and willingness to help anyone who needed it. A special thank you to his friend and colleague Becky Weber Hoyt.
He had a deep love for the outdoors and lived life with a spirit of adventure. Rod enjoyed snowmobiling, waterskiing, boating, hunting, motorcycle hill climbs, and especially fishing. His most prized possession and the “love of his life” was his made-to-order Custom Weld jet boat he purchased in 2022. His best times were spent on the water doing what he did best – catfishing. He spent many years competing in numerous catfish tournaments with his brother Rob, good friend Tim Linder, and his best lifelong friend Larry Bowers. The Montana Catfish Association members were like a second family to Rod. Treasured fishing trips over the years include several to Dore Lake in Canada with his father, brother, and friends, as well as most recently to Tennessee with Rob. Nothing put a big smile on his face like watching his fishing partners catch the fish of a lifetime. He always celebrated everyone’s success on the water.
Rod was also known for his generous heart and the way he quietly showed up for others. He mentored his four nieces through their college years and created unforgettable memories by taking them boating and tubing, often joking that it was “just him and a gaggle of girls.” He loved those moments immensely.
To know Rod was to know someone who never let a day pass without checking in on the people who mattered to him. He faithfully called his family nightly, a simple act that became one of the clearest expressions of his love. Rod will be remembered as a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness was steady and sincere. He was the kind of man neighbors could count on, friends could trust, and family could lean on without hesitation. His absence leaves a silence that will be deeply felt by all who knew him. He was blessed to have Ralph Becktold as his neighbor and friend, who gave his time and effort freely in helping Rod for many years. Rod was also blessed to have Ron Mackney as a special friend and confidant.
He is survived by his mother, Betty J Seder; his brother, Rob (Jo) Seder; adopted sister Margaret (Paul) Cunningham; his beloved nieces Tiffanee (Adam) Zelka, Molly (Kyle) Hering, Katie (Cory) Hansen, and Brianna (Trecel) Crawford; special aunt and uncle Dorothy and Bill Stenerson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephew, extended family members, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Seder, and his beloved dogs, Keno and Cody.
Memorial donations in Rod’s name may be made to Christ E&R Church in Hardin, MT, or to the charity of one’s choice.
