Rodney “Rod” Arvid Rustan of Rochester, 66, died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, in Rochester.

A celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Rod was born July 26, 1951, in Boone, Iowa, to Burnal and Betty Jane (Wright) Rustan. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1969. On Oct. 20, 1984, he married Julie Hansen in Albert Lea. They lived in St. Charles and moved to Rochester in 1992. Rod held various positions in sales over the years and most recently worked as a driver for Med City Taxi. He enjoyed visiting history museums and taking road trips — especially weekend Corvette cruises with his wife, “Sweets” Julie. He also enjoyed sports, attending Minnesota Vikings games with Beth and going to car shows with Jace. His favorite past times were watching old movies and eating his favorite treats: ice cream and popcorn. You could often find him sitting at the kitchen table doing crossword puzzles and drinking iced tea. Rod was a member of Corvette clubs and served on the Disabled American Veterans Annual Car Show Committee.

Rod is survived by his loving wife, Julie, of Rochester; children Elizabeth Jane Rustan of Denver and Jace Rodney Rustan of Rochester and Jill Stenson of Faribault (from a previous marriage); sisters Jackie Rustan of Burnsville, Jerri Rustan of Owatonna and Tim Rustan of Stafford Springs, Connecticut; and niece, Lori (Blake) Wiedner.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents and by his niece, Barbie Mikkelson.

Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes at 5421 Royal Place NW in Rochester.