Rodney "Rod" Stoltz          March 1, 1958  -  July 28, 2025

Black Hawk – Rodney "Rod" Stoltz, age 67, of Black Hawk, SD passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025 at home.

Rod was born on March 1, 1958 to Melvin and Macella "Tommie" (Anderson) Stoltz. He grew up  in Black Hawk and attended the Black Hawk School, West Jr. High School, and then Stevens High School in Rapid City. He was also active as a young boy in Sunday school at the Black Hawk Community Church. From a young man, Rod had a deep love for animals and the great outdoors. He had a passion for hunting, camping, riding motorcycles, dirt bikes, playing cards and adventure. He loved music and fast cars – especially his Dodge Challenger SRT8 (Kawshun) – and spending time with his family and friends. He worked hard and played even harder (he had no fear and it showed).

In 1978 Rod met the loved of his life, Dawn Laird, and they were married on April 20, 1981. Together they had 2 beautiful daughters: Jessica and Jenn (Larson).

Rod went to work at the age of 11 for the Black Hills Greyhound Racing Track tending to the greyhound dogs before and after the race. From there he went to work along side his father learning the concrete trade which he stayed with for well over 30 years. He did many driveways, sidewalks, curbs and more all over South Dakota, Colorado, North Dakota and Wyoming. He also did construction of homes and siding homes, and then maintenance work before retiring.

Rod's heart was as big as the Black Hills, as he loved to explore. He donated time to meals on wheels to helping people in need however he could where by helping with a project to buying someone a winter coat, a walker, or even delivering wood for heat. He would deliver drinks on hot days to people working outdoors during the summer. He was one to lend a hand, advise, or even share a laugh. He believed "all roads lead to somewhere" and he enjoyed driving on all of them throughout the Black Hills area, often with his beloved dog riding along. Rod would put out fresh buckets of water for the deer in winter during a dry winter or gather apples for the deer to eat near his home.

Rod spent the last 20 years alcohol free, living a life of reflection, generosity, and peace.

Rod is survived by his loving wife: Dawn Stoltz of Black Hawk; daughter: Jenn (Jeff) Larson of Sioux Falls; two grandsons: Jacob Larson and Jameson Larson of Sioux Falls; brother: Todd Stoltz of Washington; niece: Katie Stoltz and nephew: Kip Stoltz, both of Rapid City; along with extended family and close friends.  Rod was preceded in death by his daughter: Jessica Stoltz and both parents.

Rod will be remembered for his kind heart, his love of the land, and his quiet acts of service to others. His legacy lived on in the roads he traveled, the hands he helped, and the family he cherished so much.

His Memorial Service will be 2:00 pm Friday, August 15, 2025 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Burial Service will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Black Hawk.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.