Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Roderick “Rod” Dean Tovar, 69, of Albert Lea passed away unexpectedly after complications with his second bone marrow transplant in Rochester.

Private family prayers will be held, and a public memorial service will be scheduled once current restrictions are lifted.

Bonnerup Funeral Service is assisting the family: www.bonnerupFuneralService.com.

Rod was born Feb. 12, 1951, to Raymond and Donna Mae (Boettcher) Tovar in Albert Lea. He graduated from Albert Lea High School with the class of 1970.

On April 9, 1976, Rod married Linda Sletten and together raised their two daughters, Sarah and Holly.

He worked at Ulland Brothers in Albert Lea for over 35 years.

From his early days on the Albert Lea High school football team to softball leagues later in life, Rod was always involved with, playing or watching sports! When being on the field wasn’t an option, he enjoyed playing pool and overseeing the poker games at the Eagles. He was a hardworking and dedicated husband, dad and “papa” to his family. His gentle spirit and love for his friends and family will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of over 43 years, Linda; daughters Sarah (Allan Benson) Tovar of Shakopee and Holly (Hector Olvera) Tovar of Albert Lea; grandsons Logan (Aaliyah Book) Tovar and Carter Benson; great-grandchildren William Roderick Tovar and Viviana Rodriguez; and siblings Janice, Steven, Mark, Belinda, Julie, Scott, Diana, Candace and Randy.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Elsie Nelson; and in-laws Henry and Anna Sletten.

In honor of Rod’s memory, please direct donations at this time to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation www.JDRF.org or the Albert Lea Education Foundation at https://aledfoundation.org/.