Rodena Mehrkens, 87, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Friday, May 24, 2013 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN, with Reverend Aaron Zuch officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be Monday 5 - 8 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Rodena Johanna VanLith was born September 21, 1925, at Plummer, MN, the daughter of John and Margaret (Gerres) VanLith. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Plummer, MN. She attended grade school and high school at Plummer. Rodena was employed at Land O' Lakes in Thief River Falls, MN. On November 8, 1944, Rodena was united in marriage to Marvin Peter Mehrkens at St. John Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. They lived on a farm 3 miles south and 3 ½ miles west of Thief River Falls, MN. She helped on the farm as well as being a mother and homemaker and raising her 5 children. Rodena was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church and the church quilters called the "Piecemaker's" and also a member of Sanders Township Homemaker's. Rodena and Marvin enjoyed dancing and playing cards. Rodena also enjoyed gardening, sewing and was well known for her patch work quilts. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by children: Marion Ann (Calvin) Sorenson, Thief River Falls, MN, Albert Earl (Kathy) Mehrkens, Thief River Falls, MN, Darrel Arthur (special friend Sherry Sorenson) Mehrkens, Thief River Falls, MN and Verla Diann (Donavan) Erlandson, Thief River Falls, MN; 12 grandchildren, Carol (Dale) Kolseth, Allen Mehrkens, Andy Mehrkens, Dale (Denise) Mehrkens, Dean (Elizabeth) Mehrkens, Peter (Clare) Mehrkens, Paul Mehrkens, Tammy (Joe) Hickey, Tracy Mehrkens, Krista (Tim) Halling, Kevin (Julie) Mehrkens and Cory (Fiancé Cindy Williams) Mehrkens; 16 great grandchildren, Lisa Kolseth, Kayla Mehrkens, Tessah Halling, Mara Mehrkens, Adrian Mehrkens, Garrett Mehrkens, Emry Mehrkens, Kurtis Mehrkens, Wyatt Mehrkens, Tirzah Mehrkens, Shamus Mehrkens, Lizzeth Mehrkens, Bryce Mehrkens, Kayle Mehrkens, Kelsey Mehrkens, and Addison Mehrkens; several nieces and nephews. Rodena was preceded in death by husband, Marvin on July 21, 1999; son, Roy and her parents, sisters Wilma Hyland, and twin sister Nellie Culkins; brothers Norbert VanLith and Cornelius VanLith. ORGANIST: John Folland CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: The Old Rugged Cross, Amazing Grace, Beautiful Savior, Just As I Am, When Peace Like a River CASKETBEARERS: Myles Koop, Dale Kolseth, Paul Mehrkens, Peter Mehrkens, Dale Mehrkens, Joe Hickey.