David Roden

David Ellis Roden, 81 of Duluth passed away peacefully April 14, 2021 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. Dave was born February 14, 1940 in Fargo, ND to Vivian and Stewart Roden. Dave married Mary Anne Rovello August 5, 1961 in Duluth, MN.

Dave enjoyed a long career in the grocery business where he started his career as a grocery bagger with National supermarkets. From there he progressed into management and ultimately acted as store manager for the National stores located in Duluth Heights, 6th Avenue East and Superior. In 1970 Dave began a career that spanned decades with Gateway Foods. Dave started as field salesman and ultimately ended his career acting as Division President with Fleming Foods.

In 1992, he along with partners, owned and operated Jubilee and Festival Foods stores located in Duluth, Virginia, Pine City and Walker, Minnesota, as well as Superior, Wisconsin.

Dave’s favorite times were spent with family and friends at his cabin on Lake Elora and winters in Fort Myers Beach, Florida where he could always be found enjoying a Windsor diet coke and fresh bag of popcorn.

Above all Dave loved his wife Mary Anne, his children, grandchildren, and great grandson. 

Dave was an extremely generous person and throughout his life he taught us the true meaning of integrity, honesty, strength, courage and the of love of family. 

Dave is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Anne. Children: Cindy (Gordy Westendorf), Anne Marie (Jim) Bergman, Mary Beth (Kurt) Gronseth, and Brad (Mary Kay) Roden. Grandchildren: Micayla (Colin) Berg, Brianna, Kiara, Garrett, and Joshua Westendorf; Dan (Kari), Hannah, Tanner (Megan Cornelison) Bergman, Allyson and Tyler Gronseth; Emma and Tiegan Roden. and great grandson Ryker Bergman; Sisters: Susan (Robert) Thomson, Dona Roden and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by his parents Vivian and Stewart Roden, sisters Phylis Sornsin, Virgina Grady and brother Donald Roden. 

A private family service will be held with interment at Calvary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Solvay Hospice House.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 218-727-3555 please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.