Judge John R. Rodenberg: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. John R. Rodenberg (Ret.) was a judge for the Minnesota Court of Appeals. He was appointed to the seat by former Governor Mark Dayton in 2012. Rodenberg retired on August 21, 2020.

Prior to his appointment, he presided as a judge for the 5th Judicial District Court, having joined its bench in 2000.

Before beginning his judicial career, Rodenberg spent the bulk of his legal career as an attorney at Berens, Rodenberg & O’Connor (1982 to 2000). In addition to his practice, he served as a part-time assistant county attorney with the Brown County Attorneys’ Office.

He received a B.A. from St. Olaf College in 1978. Rodenberg went on to complete a J.D. at Hamline University School of Law in 1981. While a law student, he was Editor of the Law Review and a member of the Honor Society.

After graduating from law school, Rodenberg began his legal career as a staff attorney for the Social Security Administration (1981 to 1982). He left that position to enter into private practice.

Rodenberg was a past vice-chair of the Minnesota Judicial Council and a past chair of the New Ulm Police Commission. He also served as an appointed member of the Special Redistricting Panel, tasked with resolving litigation involving new congressional and legislative districts after the 2010 U.S. Census.

He received the Rosalie E. Wahl Judicial Award of Excellence from the Public Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association in 2010.

Rodenberg was born in New Ulm, Minnesota. When not presiding over legal matters, he owned and operated an apple orchard, A-Peeling Acres, in New Ulm. Rodenberg served as a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Ulm, where he was president of the Church Council.