Rodney Sterrett

Rodney Sterrett, 79, of Vermillion SD passed away Thursday, March 19 at Vermillion Sanford with his family by his side.

Rodney was born August 24, 1946 at home in Letcher, SD to Lois Caroline (Merkle) and Lewis Lester Sterrett.  In 1964 he joined the United States Navy and made this his career until he retired in 1984, during this time he served in the Vietnam War.  During his time in the Navy he was stationed on several ships including USS Agair (1965), USS Boston (1966-1968), USS Kawishiwi (1971-1972), USS Charleston (1975-1976), USS Truit (1970-1980), USS Boulder (1980-1983).  He received the following medals during his service, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Navy Expeditionary Medal.

In January 1969 he married Susan Sterrett in Pierre SD.  To that union 3 children were born and he gained a son.  Rodney enjoyed spending time at the casino and playing pool.  He also enjoyed being out on a boat and fishing.  He was also an avid car enthusiast and mechanic.

He is survived by his 4 children, Doug (Darla) Tassler, Reda (Todd) Brewer, Suzi (Todd) Moore, and Sara Sterrett; a sister Carol Pickner and a brother Curt Sterrett; eight grandchildren, Michael (Tina) Tassler, Karl (Katie) Brewer, Joseph Brewer, Tiffany (Justin) Roetman, Matthew Moore, Erica Sterrett, Kaitlyn Tassler and Jenna Tassler; and 12 great grandchildren.  He is also mourned by Buddy, Amanda, and Will Garrison.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim Sterrett and 3 sisters, Nancy Sterrett, Jan Price, Dorothy Elyea, 3 brothers-in-law Bill Price Jr., Troy Picker and Bob Elyea, 1 sister-in-law Donnarae Sterrett and the mother of his children Susan Sterrett.