Rodney Ulteig

MADISON - Another good Viking has sailed to Valhalla...Rodney A. Ulteig, age 79, passed away on Sat. March 11, 2017 at UW Hospital in Madison, just 40 days short of his 80th birthday. A proud Norwegian, Rod was born Apr. 20, 1937 in Walcott, ND, the son of the late Henry and Marie (Gunness) Ulteig. He lived in ND until age 7, then moved with his family to Tomah WI. Early as a child he demonstrated skills as a prankster. His mother often said that it was lucky she was friends with the school administrators! He graduated from Tomah High School, served his country in the Army, and attended UW Lacrosse and then UW Madison earning a degree in Industrial Psychology. Rod married Donna Blado in Tomah on June 24, 1967, and the two of them moved to Madison from New York City later that year.
A lifetime Lutheran, Rod was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. He worked for American Family Insurance as an underwriter for 31 years, retiring in 1999. Rod was an authentic "say it how he saw it" guy, often known for his quick wit and his ability to fill a room with laughter. He loved cars, fishing, traveling, and keeping in touch with his circle of friends. He and Donna, traveled around the world from Norway to most of the rest of Europe, to Egypt, Istanbul, and for 20 winters to the Cayman Islands, where they became avid snorkelers. He also loved fishing for Great Lakes steelheads and salmon. His love and affection for Donna was true and enduring to the end, and his sense of fun was evident to all who knew him. He will be missed by his many friends, but especially by his wife of almost 50 years. Rod would want those who knew him to remember the laughter they shared.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Donna, brother-in-law Edward Colbert, brother-in-law David Blado, sister-in-law Joneen Blado; nieces and nephews Heidi Ulteig, Stephanie (John) Korish, Kristi (Patrick) Flood, Jackie (Ryan) Logterman, Jeffrey Bond, and Stephen Bond. Also Jeffrey Blado and Ann (Andy) Dybvig, and many great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 7 siblings Harlan Ulteig, Delores Colbert, James Ulteig, Joyce Ulteig, Marilyn Ulteig, Jean Bond, and Dorothy Bronoel; nephew Mark Colbert and niece Tracy Ulteig, and a brother-in-law Bruce Blado.
The family wishes to thank the proficient staff at the UW Hospital Trauma and Life Support Center. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday March 17, 2017 at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave. Madison, with Rev. John O. Swanson presiding. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the service on Friday at the Church.
Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church; NAMI - Dane County, 2059 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704; or Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Rd. Madison, WI 53718.

Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
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