Yoder, Theodore Brian

Celebration of Life Service for Theodore Yoder will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 16, 2012, at the Iowa Mennonite School in Celebration Hall. Pastor Nathan Ramer will officiate. Burial will be in the South Gingerich Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Wellman Mennonite Church in Wellman. A memorial fund has been established for Iowa Mennonite School Ag Department and Iowa City Hospice. The Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is in charge of the arrangements. Messages may be sent to the family at .

Theodore Brian Yoder died at his home in rural Kalona on April 12 after an intermittent 12-year battle with cancers. Theo had a strong faith, a valiant determination, and meaningful relationships throughout his life.

Theo was born Saturday, Aug. 12, 1989, in Iowa City, to the very proud parents of Brian and Lynn Yoder. Theo grew up on a farm in rural Kalona. He loved spending time helping his father and uncles on the farm.

Theo attended Iowa Mennonite School. During his years at IMS he participated in FFA and was on the golf team. Theo always considered his friendships to be the most important part of his high school experience.

After Theo graduated from high school in 2008 he attended Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. He majored in congregational and youth ministry studies. When he wasn't studying Theo devoted his time to his friends. Theo thoroughly enjoyed his work-study job at EMU. He worked for the Athletic Events Coordinator.

Due to a recurrence of cancer, Theo was obligated to withdraw from EMU in the fall of 2010. He fought the battle with all his might and was delighted to be able to return to school the following year. Theo was determined to complete his degree, but once again cancer became an obstacle and he was forced to withdraw again in January of this year. Theo was awarded an honorary degree from EMU on March 3, 2012.

During the summer months Theo ran and operated Yoder Quality Lawn Care and assisted with greens work at the Kalona Golf Course.

In his spare time Theo enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golfing and playing games. He was an avid Cubs fan and loved watching the Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley. But most importantly Theo enjoyed simply spending time with his friends, family and people in general.

Theo is survived by his parents, Lynn and Brian Yoder of Kalona; brothers, Josh and Rex Yoder; grandparents, Dale and Linda Miller and Della Yoder; 16 aunts and uncles; 30 cousins/spouses of cousins; and countless good friends. He is preceded into death by his grandfather, Keith Yoder; his aunt, Judy Hookway; his uncle, Dave Droz; and far too many others who have lost their battle with cancer.

Published April 14, 2012 in The Gazette