Rod (Rodman) Samuel McTaggart passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Sarona, Wisconsin, on September 22, 2026.
Rod was born to Larry and Elaine (Christensen) McTaggart in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 23, 1964. His family later moved to Sparta, Wisconsin, where Rod graduated from high school in 1983. Rod traveled for work before eventually settling in Sarona, Wisconsin, near relatives.
Rod began logging with his Uncle Jack. He later worked as a hired hand for a neighbor, eventually building his own herd and developing his farm. Rod took great pride in his work and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Rod met Kitty Burdick in 1995, and together they had three children: Carter, Charlie, and Kelsey Burdick McTaggart.
Rod was a great mechanic, fisherman, beef farmer, caretaker, and true jack-of-all-trades. If something needed to be fixed, built, or figured out, Rod was the person people turned to. He was generous with his time and talents and was always willing to help—family, friends, neighbors, or even a stranger in need.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Elaine (Christensen) McTaggart; Kitty’s parents, Don Burdick and Connie O’Donahoe Burdick; and his aunts and uncles, Wayne Stevenson, Jack and Mary Olson, and Sylvia Christensen.
He is survived by his children, Carter, Charlie, and Kelsey; his partner, Kitty Burdick; his siblings, Jeni Kessler, Chad (Heather) McTaggart, and Erika (Jim Church) McTaggart; nieces and nephews; and aunts and uncles, Gene Christensen, Ron and Lynda Christensen, Sharilyn Stevenson, Dorothy and Rollie Kallstrom, Ed McTaggart and Dan (Lori) McTaggart and numerous cousins.
Above all, Rod was an amazing dad and partner. His children, Carter, Charlie, and Kelsey, describe him simply and beautifully: “Best Dad Ever,” “Great Man,” and “Amazing.”
Rod will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
A celebration of life gathering will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Butternut Hills Golf Course, N2981 Golf Road, Sarona, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
