In Memoriam: Loren Rodvold, 1942-2021

Loren Rodvold, retired vice president of GELCO, which later became GE Capital Fleet Services, passed away in Eden Prairie, Minn., on Dec. 9, 2021. He was 79. Rodvold was born on Aug. 1, 1942 and raised in Crosby, N.D.

Prior to joining GELCO, Rodvold served in the U.S. Army and later worked in retail leasing in Beverly Hills, Calif. One of his customers was the entertainer Dean Martin, who leased a Stutz Bearcat roadster from Rodvold in the early 1970s.

Rodvold started his fleet leasing career in 1976 when he was hired as vice president of sales for GELCO Canada in Toronto. He was transferred to GELCO headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn., in April 1980 and held numerous leadership positions in both the services organization and client relations/sales until his retirement in 2006.

“Loren was an industry advocate and icon among those that knew and worked with him. A consummate professional, he was respected for his integrity, class and intelligence,” said Terry Langness, who worked with Rodvold at both GELCO and GE Capital Fleet Services. Langness worked as a VP at GELCO and was VP Customer Setup & Maintenance at GE Capital Fleet Services until his retirement in 2002.

“Loren Rodvold embodied the kind leaders who drove the successful fleet leasing and management companies of the 1970s, 1980s, and1990s,” said Bob Miesen, who  worked with Rodvold at GE Capital Fleet Services. Rodvold reported to Miesen who served as a senior VP of GE Capital Fleet Services up to Miesen’s retirement in 2000.

Rodvold is credited as being instrumental in creating a maintenance management organization at GELCO that paired with a finance lease organization.

“His influence was a key factor in the ascendance of GELCO to the pinnacle of maintenance management in the late 1990s. Loren was a bright, self-effacing leader and mentor, who clearly understood the importance of human dynamics and their role in creating, improving, and growing a winning business model. He was widely respected by his colleagues and customers,” said Miesen.

At the time of his retirement, Rodvold was VP of sales for GE Capital Fleet Services. One of his goals following retirement was to drive Route 66 from its beginning to end. Rodvold loved Chevrolet Corvettes and owned a 2004 Corvette convertible, which he drove the entire length of Route 66.

Rodvold is survived by Gaye, his wife of 48 years, and two grown children, Jennifer and Patrick.

“Loren also had two grandchildren that were his pride and joy. He loved being a parent and especially a grandparent,” said Langness.

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