Young, Rodney A. 'Rod'

Rodney A. Young “Rod,” 61, died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, at his home. He fought a hard battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with hope, strength and every medical option available to him.

Rod is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Jarod and his wife, Katie; his daughter, Adrianne Stahle “Ann” and her husband, Luke; and three granddaughters, Miya and Paige Stahle and Olivia Young.

Rod was born Aug. 27, 1952, in Decatur County. He was the only child of Clarence and Betty (Palmer) Young of Decatur. Rod married Mary Jean Bowen, on June 10, 1972, in Leon. Rod and Mary were high school sweethearts and spent 41 years together. He was a devoted family man who loved spending time hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, Frisbee golfing, building snowmen, pushing swings or whatever the children/grandchildren wanted Grandpa to do. Rod and Mary enjoyed watching the eagles above the Cedar River, the pelicans at Coralville Lake during their migration, walking in the parks, visiting historical sites and travel. The grandchildren said, “Grandpa can fix anything.” Give him a project and he would ponder it, do some “figurin,” maybe some “hunkering” and it would be good as new or better.

Rod was employed at Rockwell Collins for 38 years. He was consistent, dedicated and never wanted to seek out recognition. He was happy to be the one that got the job done behind the scenes. As such, he developed many friendships and served in a leadership capacity.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the following people for their concern, care, comfort and guidance: the friends that provided words of support; Dr. Ghosh and his staff; Dr. Jason Booth and his staff; Unity Point Home Hospice; CarePro; the nurses and staff at Unity Point Hospital; and, the nurses and staff at Mercy Medical Center.

A memorial gathering will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, on the patio at The Avacentre at Brosh Chapel, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW. Celebration of Life services will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Brosh Chapel.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at .

Published in The Gazette Sept. 19, 2013.