Rodney Bruce Mruk of Hermiston went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 17, 2022 at the age of 67.
He was born on Sept. 21, 1954 in Oak Park, Ill. to George and Emilie Simek Mruk.
Rodney spent his childhood in Cary, Ill., where he attended school and graduated from high school. After high school he attended Lake Forest College, where he met Linda, his future wife. He worked as a general contractor in the Chicago area for the first 25 years of his career. In the mid-1990s, he felt God’s calling and began attending the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He was ordained as a minister in 2000 and began his ministry at Messiah Lutheran Church in Havre, Mont. In 2004 he was called to Hermiston, where he served as the minister at Trinity Lutheran Church until July 2021.
Rodney loved backpacking with his dog, Hunter, and the two had many adventures throughout the United States. His faith, church and family were the most important parts of his life.
Rodney married Linda Berglund in Glenwood, Ill. on July 24, 1976.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda; children, Michael Mruk, Daniel (Katy) Mruk, Allison Mruk, Kimberly Mruk and Amanda Mruk; two granddaughters, Isabelle and Emily; sister, Darlyn (Dan) Kofoed; brother, Scott (Doreen) Mruk; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Kathy and Terry.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 485 W. Locust Ave., Hermiston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Rodney’s memory.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
