Brenda Ann Rood (Heinzel), 67, of Valley City, North Dakota, died May 28, 2024, at her home after losing her battle with cancer.
Brenda was born June 22, 1956, to RoseMary and Clayton Heinzel in Sauk Centre. She graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1974, then completed her nursing degree at Fergus Falls Community College in 1976. She met Rodney Rood of Kathyrn, North Dakota, and they married Nov. 22, 1975. Together they raised three children, Amanda, DeAnn and Craig.
After graduating from nurses training, Brenda worked at nursing homes in Long Prairie, Breckenridge, and Pipestone. In 1978, Rodney and Brenda moved to Kathryn, North Dakota, then to Valley City, North Dakota, in 1986. Brenda worked at the Sheyanne Care Center where she was second floor charge nurse for 21 years. She retired in 2004.
Brenda was a talented person but her greatest achievement was her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughters. Brenda and Rodney were married 48 years.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Rodney; children, DeAnn and Craig (Laura Brown); her two grandchildren, Jordan Hejtmanek and Taylor Hejtmanek; great-granddaughters, Aubree Hejtmanek, Adalynn Hejtmanek, Annyia Hejtmanek and Brylie Sherman; her sisters, Bonnie Krueger (Jake Sorenson), Janet Beckwith (Duane); her brothers, Tom Heinzel (Deb) and Bruce Heinzel; and many nieces and nephews.
Brenda is proceeded in death by her parents; her sister-in-law, Michele Heinzel; her friend, Charlotte Mckay and her daughter, Amanda.
