Rodney L. McIntee

Rodney Lee McIntee age 88 of Bancroft passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on June 11, 2021. He was born November 2, 1932 in Bancroft where he resided his entire life.

Rodney began his employment at the paper mill in Port Edwards until he was drafted into the United States Army. He returned to the mill 2 years later and met the love of his life, Jean Eastling.  They wed on April 27, 1957 and recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. They raised two children.

Rodney always had a love for logging, cutting wood with a bow saw and hauling it to the mill between his other jobs. When he stopped working at the mill he began hauling milk. He ran the milk route for many years partnering with his brother Claire (Bud), who later took over the route. Rodney finally accomplished his dream when he founded McIntee Forest Products. With  the support of his entire family playing various roles in this new business he was also able to provide employment to several people.  In 1984 Rodney purchased a wood harvesting machine called a Makeri 33T, which would change everything for the family.  Rodney knew that the machine had a flaw and being the inventor that he was, he started working to remedy it. Rodney created a measuring device for the machine and quickly the company from Finland took an interest in all Rodney’s knowledge. Soon Rodney and his family were signing a dealership contract to sell the Makeri 33T, which was the only one in the United States.  Soon after, Lokomo based in Finland, flew Rodney twice over to Finland to assist in designing the new Makeri 34T.  In the first year of the dealership, McIntee Forest Products and Equipment sold 27 machines due to Rodney’s invention and wisdom.  Over the next 20 plus years they sold machines to Florida, Montana, Michigan, and also Canada.

Rodney’s interests however did not end with his successful business. He loved the outdoors and was an avid trapper, hunter, and fisherman. He also played ball and especially loved bowling. Eventually he was able to start hunting elk, mule deer, and antelope out in Montana with his very dear friend, Kenny Chamberlain. They went “out west” every year for 35 years until Rodney was in his early eighties. Rodney became a great walker to keep in shape for his hunting trips.

Rodney and his wife Jean will always be remembered for their hospitality. You were always welcome around their kitchen table for a cup of coffee, a snack, and oftentimes a meal. This is where you really got to know Rodney. His sense of humor was something everyone including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will fondly remember.  Rodney also cherished solitude in his busy life which he found on his long walks around his property. He loved to observe wildlife, especially his deer.

Rodney could have been a rich man monetarily but never took advantage of anyone. His riches were in helping people so they could succeed, that was his happiness. Rodney touched the lives of so many. His legacy will live on through all those he came to know.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Emma (Daberkow) and Benjamin McIntee. Five brothers; Duane, Norman, Leonard, Glenn, and Claire (Bud). Two sisters; Irene (Bender) and Ardis (Trowbridge).

Rodney is survived by his wife Jean and their two children; Stuart McIntee (Tammy Fredericks) and Maxine (Chuck) Niemi. Rodney was also blessed with five surviving  grandchildren;  Brady (Amber) McIntee, Travis (Kendra) McIntee, Cody Phillips, Shanna Phillips (Jason), Brittany (Matthew) Johnson. There are also eleven great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

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