Rodney Edwin Eigsti, passed away March 20, 2026, at the age of 71, due to complications from surgery unrelated to his cancer.
A lifelong resident of Friend, Rod was born Sept. 11, 1954, to Richard and Caroline (Lausen) Eigsti, the oldest of four children, and he never left the community he loved so deeply. Rod graduated from Friend High School in 1972 and later from Southeast Community College in 1975 with a degree in Auto Mechanics.
Months later, on Sept. 6, 1975, he married the love of his life, Linda Wuerch. That marriage would become the foundation of everything that followed - more than 50 years built on faith and devotion. Together, they raised three children, becoming parents for the first time in 1978, the same year Rod earned his pilot's license. If that sounds like a man who didn't like to sit still, well, you'd be right. Rod was a farmer through and through, spending his entire career farming land around Friend. Farming was only one piece of who he was; he was also a builder, a fixer, and a tinkerer. He built airplanes with his own hands, loved working with metal, and could repair just about anything put in front of him.
He was a proud member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), and flying was one of the great joys of his life. Rod loved people, and he was intentional about it. He didn't just happen to be generous; he chose it, every single day, with anyone and everyone he met. He gave freely of his time and talents, always willing to lend a hand without being asked.
He was an active member of Friend Christian Assembly, a dedicated leader at Awana, and loved his morning coffee at Qwik 6, where many friendships were built. When Rod received a cancer diagnosis in 2012, his perspective on life changed. Every day became a gift, and his mission became clear: love others with everything you've got. He carried that purpose with a quiet strength that touched everyone around him.
One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren. Life became exponentially richer when those eight grandkids came along, and they were his absolute pride and joy. Whether he was taking them to Qwik 6 for treats, attending school/sporting events, or simply spending time together, Rod was at his happiest surrounded by the people he loved most.
Rod lived by a simple conviction that carried him through his brightest days and his hardest ones alike: Every Day Matters - Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord. He did exactly that, and the world is better for it.
Rod is survived by his wife, Linda Eigsti of Friend; his sons, Jason (Michelle) Eigsti of Verona, Wisconsin and Nate (Heather) Eigsti of Hickman; daughter, Emily (Seth) McDougall of Hickman; eight beloved grandchildren, Collins and Adley (Jason), Lucy, Oscar and Gus (Nate) and Addison, Lakelyn and Teagan (Emily); sisters, Beth (John) Boshart and Kayleen (Ben) Roth; and his brother, Larry (Sue) Eigsti; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Caroline Eigsti and several aunts and uncles.
Visitation is Thursday, March 2, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Lauber Funeral Home in Friend. Visitation will resume at the Friend Christian Assembly Church from 6 – 7:30 p.m. with family greeting and receiving friends and relatives. The funeral service will be Friday, March 27, at 10:30 a.m. at the church with burial to follow at the Andrew Cemetery in Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Friend Christian Assembly Church.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services in Friend.
