Vilera "Val" Rood

Vilera “Val” Rood, 99, of Moorhead, MN, died on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, in Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Vilera Mae Gedstad was born on April 18, 1924, to Almer and Inez (Magnus) Gedstad on their farm in Petersburg, ND. On June 11, 1924, she was baptized at home by Rev. L.A. Haatvedt.

Vilera graduated from Petersburg High School in 1942. In 1946 she graduated magna cum laude from Luther College, Decorah, IA, with Business Education and Economics majors and English and Education minors. Additional education was at the University of Montana, in Missoula, MT, and the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, WI. She completed a Master’s degree from the University of North Dakota, in Grand Forks, ND, in 1950 with a major in Business Education and minors in Marketing and Education.

On August 3, 1964, Vilera “Val” Gedstad married Ingvar “Bing” Rood; he died from lung cancer on November 30, 1972.

Val taught at Fosston, MN, Luther College, University of Minnesota in Duluth, MN, and Concordia College in Moorhead, from 1953 until her retirement as a professor in 1993. From Concordia she received many awards; the Soli Deo Gloria Award she gave to Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead.

During the summers, in addition to a Caribbean Cruise, Val’s travels included trips to Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, United Kingdom, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, New Zealand, Australia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Alaska and Hawaii.

In 2000, she sold her house and moved to Eventide. However, after eight apartment moves while looking for Minnesota housing for active seniors, on October 30, 2010, she returned to Eventide Linden Tree Circle in Moorhead.

Vilera was a long-term active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She served at many funerals and volunteered often. Val enjoyed traveling, reading, doing handwork (counted cross-stitch, crocheting, knitting, quilting hardanger) solving puzzles, and attending Bible studies and cultural and sports events. She loved animals, especially her schnauzer, Cindy. 

Val is survived by her three nephews, Stephen (Kris), Douglas (Kathy), and Dennis; niece, Susan Gedestad; and many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bing Rood; parents, Almer and Inez Gedstad; brother, Spencer (Patty) Gedestad; and grandmother, Nellie (Haatvedt) Magnus.

Val was genuinely thankful for the friendship and helpfulness of Susan and Dave Wee, of Fargo. Susan gets extra special thanks for providing the many miles of transportation. Vilera also wanted to thank Rachel Meske (Bell Bank) and Graham Goeson. She appreciated the pastors, staff and members of Trinity Lutheran Church, especially Marcella Gulsvig, Mary Thornton, Jerry Koenig and George and Mary Larson. She gives thanks to Alyssa, Kendra, and Karon for dependable work and for the creative items. She gives extra thanks to Sherry for the willingness to work endless hours on some days.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Concordia College, Luther College, Sons of Norway, Eventide Foundation, or your favorite charity.

Val’s Funeral Service will be on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10 AM, with a visitation one hour prior, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead. The burial will be in Petersburg City Cemetery, Petersburg, ND.

 If you missed Val's funeral service,  the recording can be viewed by clicking the following link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG2-NbCdSCk