Rodney Hengesteg's Obituary
Obit for: Rodney L. Hengesteg
Rodney Lavon Hengesteg passed away from this world to his permanent home in Heaven on Friday, October 03, 2014, at his Covington home, designed and built with tender loving care by his daughter, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was surrounded by family and friends and the guidance of Canon Hospice during his transition into the other world.
Rod was born, November 02, 1933 in Worth County, Iowa to Elmer Hengesteg and Sophie (Sandman) Hengesteg. He was baptized and reaffirmed the faith of his baptism through confirmation in the Silver Lake Lutheran Church, rural Northwood. Rodney was raised on a farm, near Northwood, that his great-grandparents purchased in 1858. He attended high school and married Ruth Whitcome before moving to Ames, Iowa where he graduated from Iowa State University in1960, with a degree in Business Economics. Shelle Ann his only child was born in Ames in 1961. Rodney moved to Des Moines where he lived the rest of his healthy life. He worked as V.P. of Polk County Federal Savings and Loan, retiring at the young age of 55. Rodney defined the retirement years. He enjoyed every day fishing and hunting and fishing some more with a God given talent, creating memories and a legacy that will live on among his family and friends.
Rod believed strongly in the preservation of all wildlife and served as treasurer to Ducks Unlimited for several years. He was a past member of the Sertoma Club, a national advocacy campaign to improve the quality of life for those impacted by hearing loss, and also a faithful member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Des Moines, IA.
Rodney moved graciously in November 2011, when his health began to decline, to be near and in the loving care of his daughter Shelle Kitch, son-in-law Jeff Kitch, grandson Alex and granddaughter Amanda.
Special thanks goes to Carol Levatino, care taker and beloved friend, who graciously held Rod’s heart in her hands for the past 2 years.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Sophie and Elmer Hengesteg and his brother, Truman.
He is survived by his daughter, Shelle Kitch, son-in-law, Jeff Kitch, their children Amanda and Alex, sister-in-law Bonnie Hengesteg, nephew David Hengesteg, and nieces Sue Johnson and Cinda Rustad. He is also survived by other great nieces and nephews and a host of special friends who will miss him dearly.
COVINGTON SERVICES: Memorial Service for Rod will be celebrated at Three Rivers Presbyterian Church, 325 N. Madison St. Covington, LA 70433 on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 6:30 PM
DES MOINES SERVICES: Memorial Service for Rod will be celebrated at Mt Olive Lutheran Church, 5625 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 10:30 AM
NORTHWOOD BURIAL: A graveside service will be held at Silver Lake Lutheran Church Cemetery, Northwood, IA, on Friday, November 7, 2014 at 2:30 PM
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