Arthur “Art” Rode was born in Nokomis, SK, on June 9, 1931, to Edward and Natalie Rode. Art’s family moved to Trochu, AB, in 1940 and purchased a quarter of land one mile east of Trochu in 1946. Art helped his parents operate “Rode’s Dairy”, which produced raw cow’s milk to be sold in glass bottles locally. Art and his younger sister Helga attended Trochu Valley School, and Trochu Baptist Church was an integral part of Art’s formative years.

Art met Martha Huber at a church choir festival in 1953, and they were married on October 30, 1954. Art and Martha carried on the Rode family farming business, which had increased to four quarters of land. They were blessed with a daughter Colleen in 1957, and a son Aaron in 1960. They eventually ceased dairy farming due to incoming pasteurization regulations but continued growing grain and raising livestock and poultry. After the marriages of their children, Art and Martha welcomed four grandchildren – Jennae, Tannis, Colin, and Dianna, who enjoyed countless cherished days on the farm with their grandparents.

After retiring from farming in 1995, Art and Martha visited many countries and volunteered for several international Christian organizations, most notably the Haggai Institute in Hawaii. Art amassed a large collection of clocks and other memorabilia from his travels. Art was the Sunday School superintendent at Trochu Baptist Church. He was also a regular visitor to the Trochu Drop-In and enjoyed working on farm projects, including restoring his father’s 44 Massey Ferguson tractor. In 2016, Art and Martha sold their beloved home quarter east of Trochu and relocated to the Linden Lodge. Art deeply missed the Trochu Baptist congregation, where he had faithfully attended since childhood. While living in Linden, Art and Martha welcomed the marriages of their four grandchildren and were blessed with eight great-grandchildren. They also celebrated the milestone of their 70th wedding anniversary. Art passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife, daughter, and son on August 21, 2026, at the age of 95 years. He will always be remembered, missed, and loved.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Trochu Baptist Cemetery, with a Reception Lunch to follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Trochu Baptist Fellowship Centre.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Trochu Baptist Church.

If family and friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Art's name may be made out to Camp Caroline's camper scholarship program: Payment by cheque: Made out to Camp Caroline Society (Camp Caroline, PO Box 250, Caroline, AB T0M 0M0). Payment by e-transfer: office@campcaroline.ab.ca

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Arthur's family here.