Rodney Richards
August 05, 2015
Rodney Richards, age 48, passed from this life August 5, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with liver cancer.
He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa January 16, 1967. He graduated from Fremont High School and then received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Iowa. Rod worked most of his adult life in the Information Technology field, employed by Modis, NationWide and Athene.
Rod was an avid racer, enjoying his many years on the Knoxville Speedway, racing his Sprint car. He enjoyed riding snowmobiles, ATV’s and motorcycles as well.
He is survived by his significant other, Monica Reicks; children, Levi, Tyler and Ashlyn; his parents, Gary and Marty Richards, and Linda DeJong; sisters, Joni (Randall) Kelley and Jan Heiden; and a host of other loving family and dear friends.
A celebration of Rod’s life will be held Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 12:00 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Family will greet friends prior to the service from 10:00 am to 12 pm. Private burial will be at Van Meter Cemetery at a later time
.
Memorial contributions may be directed toward The American Cancer Society for designation to help further research for liver cancer, or to The Hope Lodge, which provides free lodging to families battling cancer.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Lisa Bender
08/15/2015
I worked with Rod years ago and always enjoyed working with him. He was such a nice person and always so easy to work with. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Mike Mayberry
08/15/2015
I'm very sorry for your loss. Rod was truly a great person.
Kelly Steele
08/14/2015
I feel privileged to call Rod a teammate, classmate, roommate, and most importantly, a friend. Like his sisters, Joni and Jan, he had an infectious laugh. At the same time, he was smart as hell and had a laser-like focus. He even attempted to walk-on the University of Iowa Football Team, and participated in winter conditioning workouts with the team. He had the highest pain threshold of anyone I've ever met, which allowed him to fight his cancer longer than most people with this type of cancer. That high pain threshold also came in handy when he would break another bone, which happened far too often! It just sucks that a guy who was so healthy, who worked out, who never smoked, and who rarely drank, dies from cancer. People like to say "There's a reason for everything", so maybe Rod's courageous battle against cancer will inspire others to find a cure for others in his situation. We will miss you, Rod.
D. Ann Elscott Spence
08/14/2015
My deepest condolences to all of you so close to Rod. Cancer is such a terrible thing. The hurt runs so deep. I will always remember Rod with such a big smile on his face. He was always smiling and always had some clever remark.
I hadn't seen Rod for many years, but heard stories from my Mom about how strong he always was through everything. I see pictures of Levi and see that same smile that Rod always had.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Richards, DeJong, and Reicks families, and all the others that were close to Rod. His great spirit carries on in so many people. It's such a huge loss of such a great person.
Daniel Christudoss
08/14/2015
I had the pleasure of working with Rod several years ago. He was a very kind guy and pleasure to work with. My thought and prayers are with Rod's family.
lyle sylvester
08/14/2015
I remember rod as little rod Richards that lived in Hedrick, he had 4 friends later on that came to the nationals at knoxville as 4 WBR,He later helped me on my race car,and later on was able to help him on his car and he helped my nephew get his start in racing! Nothing but good memories!!
Mike Eddy
08/14/2015
I will always remember my friend Rod, AKA...Big Red, Hot Rod, Ramada Inn, and Big Cheese as a friend who made everyone around him better. I didn't know it then but I do know it in retrospect. My memories of hanging out at the Richard's house are more meaningful than ever after Rod's passing. So many good times spent with a great family of amazing people. Rodney Lee, I never realized how many good times we really had growing up together, High School sports, summer jobs in the fields, work out partners, and college roommates. Motorcycle races, sprint car races, Hawkeye football in December's, and that fish supply truck he drove to Chicago twice a week for a couple semesters. Thank You Rod Richards!!! Now, I am going to go order a PLAIN Hamburger. 2 buns, 1 patty and nothing else. The Rod Richards special!!! Rest Peacefully...It is time.
Linda and Terry Northcutt
08/13/2015
Celebrate his life by always remembering him! I know I will! Families and friends need to always stay close....every day is precious!
Tina Gallagher
08/12/2015
My very deepest sympathy. Rod was an amazing son, brother, father and friend. May your memories of Rod comfort you and make you laugh. Rod was great at making others laugh. Peace be with you.
PCDC Family
08/11/2015
We are so saddened to hear about Rod. He was a superb father and Levi gleamed when he was with him at the center. Please know that our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you all as you begin the process of healing. He may be gone, he will be missed, but he will NEVER be forgotten. Much love to you all from your family and friends at PCDC.
Jon Stewart
08/10/2015
A true friend and someone who did stay positive through all of what he had to deal with on the medical side. He will be missed, but I too will also remember all the times we shared motocrossing, and just hanging out. To all the family, may when we think of Rods smile and laughs, that those are the times we can share in his memory.
David Clark
08/08/2015
So sorry for your loss. Rod fought long and hard until the very end. We lost a true friend. Rod was one of those friends you have that you can only count on one hand. The type you could trust, depend on and confide in. I can't count the number of times I laughed until I cried with Rod. No wonder so many people were drawn to him. Rod will be forever loved and missed but never forgotten.
Shannon Bethune
08/07/2015
I am so very sorry to hear about Rod. May the lord give you strength and comfort you all in your time of need
Shirley Linder
08/07/2015
Jan and Joni, So very, very sorry to hear that Rod lost the fight. I can't imagine losing a brother. The fact that yours was such a wonderful guy can't make it any easier. I so enjoyed him in math classes. Will never forget that smile. Hope all the prayers and best wishes sent your way will help ease the pain.
Chandra Gangareddy
08/07/2015
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for your family. I really enjoyed working with him at Nationwide. Always remember him with a big smile and always helpful!