Rodney L. Gavin, age 77, of Kimball, formerly Buffalo, died Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at United Hospital in St. Paul.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Kimball, MN with Fr. Thomas Olson as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 pm on Monday at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Kimball and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery, Kimball. Prayer service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, followed by a Rosary.  In honor of Rod, Irish green attire is welcome.

Rodney Lee Gavin was born January 7, 1937 in Fargo, North Dakota to Michael Raymond and Helen Donna (Swanton) Gavin. Following his high school graduation in 1956 from Shanley High School, Rod honorably served in the United States Army for two years. Later when moving to the Twin Cities, he studied at Dunwoody Institute.  Rod worked various maintenance and service jobs, including Wright Hennepin Electric.  A skilled handyman, he ran his own business, Home Maintenance and Remodeling, in Buffalo. Rod  was united in marriage to Diane Dorothy Kindschuh on April 9, 1976 in Minneapolis. Together they raised their blended family of five boys, enjoying camping, fishing, hunting, and travel. Rod "retired" in 1997 to build their dream home on Lake Betsy, along with the help of their sons.  He was an avid reader, liked watching television, doing thorough research, and having Happy Hour on the dock or pontoon. With his rosy glow and smiling Irish eyes, Rod was very proud of his heritage. Those around him enjoyed his kind, even temperament, witty sense of humor, and charming ways. Above all, Rod was a great friend to many, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he treasured the time he was able to spend with his family and friends.

Rod is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diane of Kimball; sons, Scott (Jan) of Chaska, Jeff of Annandale, Mike of Annandale, Greg of Buffalo, and Dave (Tracy) of South Haven; 3 grandchildren, Alexander & Mitchell Gavin and Joshua Peavey; siblings, Audrey Krupich of Fargo and Bill (Mary) of Roseville; brother-in-law, Richard Krupich of Park Rapids; and many nieces, nephews and other family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Helen, step-mom, Claire Gavin, sisters, Dolores Krupich and Margaret Gavin, niece, Tonya Krupich, and brother-in-law, Ronald Krupich.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Kimball.