Rodney C. Lander

Rodney Carl Lander, 86, of Pender, NE, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. Burial with Military Honors will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Rod was born on October 28, 1939, in Pender, NE, the son of Carl and Mamie (Swanson) Lander. He graduated from Pender High School with the class of 1957. Following graduation, he entered the United States Army, serving for two years. He returned to the farm where he worked alongside his brother Gale. Together, they farmed and raised cattle. He was united in marriage to Ellen Westerhold-Hinrich at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on December 9, 1983. Together, they welcomed two children, Michael and Jill, to join Ellen’s two sons, Scott and Steve Hinrich. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council as both a member and president; a long-time member of American Legion Post #55 in Pender; the Northeast Nebraska Cattle Feeders; and the National Cattlemen’s Association. He enjoyed spending time with his family, farming, supporting the community of Pender, golfing, Husker Athletics, and going to cattle sales.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Lander of Pender; sons, Michael Lander of Pender, Scott Hinrich of Des Moines, IA, Steve (Brena) Hinrich of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Jill (Josh) England of Doniphan, NE; grandchildren, Kylie (Ethan) Hanson, Dylan Hinrich, Kennedy Hinrich, Lincoln (Samantha) Hinrich, Lynae Hinrich, Nami Hinrich, Kai Hinrich, Zane Banks, Logan England, and Cody England and many other family and friends.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mamie Lander; brother, Gale Lander; and brother, Norman (Lila) Lander.