Rodney (Rocky) J. Ehni, age 68, passed away on April 8 ^th at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester Minnesota. He was born on June 25, 1952 in Fargo ND to Daniel and Marie Ehni and was the oldest of 5 boys.

Education was important to Rocky. After graduating high school from Fessenden ND, he obtained a bachelors and a masters in Agricultural Economics. Later he obtained an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

While at NDSU he developed a love of the school and a passion for the Bison football team (pronounced Bizon please!) Tailgating and football games offered the perfect backdrop for another of Rocky's hobbies, photography.

NDSU was the place Rocky met his beloved wife, Vanessa Belyea. They married in 1979. That fall he joined IBM which moved them from Fargo to Bismarck, Maple Grove Minnesota and finally Rochester Minnesota where they've resided for 30 years. Rocky retired in 2009. He earned many awards during his career with IBM.

Rocky was involved with the Cub and Boy Scout programs in Rochester earning the Scouter of the Year Award in 1998. He also coached youth baseball and football. He loved coaching and mentoring. Recently he was involved with the Citizen's Advisory on Transit board for the City of Rochester.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, daughter Alyssa, son Bryan (Chelse'), grandchildren Selah and Soren. Also surviving are his brothers Jim (Julie), Kip (Shelly), Randy (Mary), Steve (Gina), nieces, nephews and in-laws. He is preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of life will be held in Rochester on May 15.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .