Rod Boboth’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Craig, Montana.
At 11am, local Volunteer Fire Departments will host a parade in Rod’s honor (suggested parking along Front Street and Bridge Street).
Immediately following the parade, please proceed to the Fire Training Center for a building dedication ceremony in Rod’s name and his Celebration of Life.
Rodney George Boboth, 71, was born June 20, 1953, in Conrad, Montana. He died August 16, 2024, at his home in Craig, Montana. Rod was the second of three children born to Bob & Peggy (Orcutt) Boboth. He spent his early years in Great Falls before they moved to the family farm east of Conrad. Rod played football all four years while attending Conrad High School. After graduation, Rod attended Denver Automotive & Diesel College, reinforcing his talent for repairing and building just about anything, including engines, motors and transmissions, to name a few.
Rod started Rod’s Motor Service on the farm and later built his shop in Craig in 1984, where he continued working until his death. Local customers and visitors alike appreciated Rod’s gentle demeanor and unwavering willingness to help those around him.
Rod and Peggy Thelen were married in November 1982 and their daughter, Kayla, was born in April 1985. Though Rod and Peggy divorced when Kayla was young, they were committed to raising her together and the three have remained close throughout the years.
Kayla was the apple of Rod’s eye and everybody knew it. They were as close as a father and daughter could be and shared countless memories of their adventures together, including all the years Rod was racing his stock car, driving all over the state. Kayla was his #1 fan! Rod’s granddaughters also caught the racing bug during their summers in Montana, which made Papa Rod so proud!
Rod doted on his girls and was quick to tell everyone when they would be visiting next, always looking forward to their time together. Just weeks before he died, he was guiding them on their annual Missouri River float trip. They loved their Papa Rod and he loved them.
From 1980 through 2018, Rod was a member of the Craig Volunteer Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for 30+ years. His years of service and dedication to the community were known and appreciated throughout the canyon, and he was an inspiration and mentor to many.
Rod was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed horseback riding, camping, hunting and fishing. He loved to spend time with close friends whenever possible.
Rod and Michele Wells spent many years together and married in 2010. Michele died in 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer; Rod was by her side until the end.
Rod will be missed and remembered by his daughter, Kayla (Boboth) O’Neil, son-in-law, Daniel O’Neil and granddaughters Dylan, Dalton and Delaney, of Houston, Texas; sister, Janet Boboth, of Great Falls; and many relatives, close friends, customers and acquaintances throughout the canyon and beyond.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, click here to visit the Simple Cremation Montana website.
