Someone we can learn from, Rodney Woodrum

By Marty Luebke

            As pointed out in Owen’s earlier articles, the most interesting “people stories” are about those I had the opportunity to work with.  Many folks I worked with would be so interesting, it’s not easy to select just one.

            Owen mentioned Rita (she spoke at our Legion Memorial Service) who went on to become an ordained minister.  And there is Stacy who has worn out his click rule (tactile measuring device) doing carpentry work (he has measured and cut more lumber than most of us will in a lifetime). And Leighton, like many, became a close lifelong friend (who hunted turkey, deer and elk with me over many years). 

            Interestingly, although I know many folks who are blind, I don’t know anyone in Garretson who uses a white cane.  So I’m writing about someone outside Garretson.

            Rodney was one of the first persons from Redfield State School and Hospital that I worked with.  Back in the 50-60’s (and earlier), many individuals were institutionalized rather than mainstreamed into society.  Some I worked with from Redfield had been institutionalized for 50+ years and made amazingly successful adjustments.  Rodney was not in Redfield 50 years but his story is rather unique and hope you will find it interesting and perhaps helpful.

            Rodney was born in Rapid City. Shortly after Rodney’s birth, his biological father abandoned his mother and siblings.  Rodney said “my mother had more than she could handle and was having difficulty controlling me.

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