FLORENCE, Wis. - Rodney E. "Rod" Trudell, 77, of Florence, passed away to eternal peace on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

Rodney was born Jan. 10, 1931, in Superior, Wis., son of the late Evert and Ruth (Lindquist) Trudell. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Rodney owned and operated the Old Gold Miner Gold Shop in Florence for many years. Rodney was a man who had a true passion for life and lived it to the fullest. Among his many adventures were trips to search and mine for gold in Alaska and diamonds in South America.

He is survived by his beloved sister, Dione (Richard) Schmidt of Hales Corners, Wis.; two nieces, Carol (Steve) Rydzik and Susan (William) Marcum; three grand-nephews, Kevin, Matthew and Michael; and several other relatives and many friends.

Private family services will be held.

Burial will be in Commonwealth Cemetery in Florence.

The family wishes to thank the many loyal customers of The Gold Shop. He truly valued your patronage and friendship over the years.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rodney E. Trudell online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain.