Rodney Edward Courtney, Jr.

Rod died October 2, 2020 at age 74.

He was born December 10, 1945 to Rodney E. Courtney, Sr. and Virginia Ann (Schreckengost) Courtney in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the oldest of three children.

Rod’s education started in Fort Des Moines, K-6th grade, then Lincoln High School, 7th-12th grade where he enjoyed band, having played the trombone for six years, as well as sports; football, wrestling and track. Rod attended UNI on a wrestling scholarship, 1963-1966, and was also a football walk on.

After his service in the Navy, 1967-1971, he returned to Des Moines to work at Younkers and Ruan while finishing his Bachelor’s Degree and starting a Master’s Degree at Drake University.

His career path changed to military service as his status as an Army Reservist became Active Guard on Reservist. Rod retired after 22 years of service with the rank of Sergeant First Class, Senior Personnel Sergeant. His efforts included Humanitarian Actions Worldwide and Unit Readiness for Desert Storm, (Iraq).

After his retirement from the Army, he served as an Income Maintenance Worker for the State of Iowa, as a case worker for food stamps until his retirement in 2009.

Rod was proud of his Irish heritage and liked to think of himself as, “The Happy Irishman”. He really liked people and helping in many ways; Scoutmaster, YMCA Flag Football Coach, Little League Baseball Coach, Counselor at Junior Achievement, Swimming Life Saving Instructor, Sunday School Teacher as well as serving on various other committees.

He enjoyed many activities; British Cars of Iowa (owned a ’73 MGB Convertible), Hawkeye Football games at Kinnick Stadium and Hawkeye bowl games, fly fishing, hiking and camping in the Rockies and Northern Minnesota, flying dad’s plane, Democratic Party activities, being a lifetime member of Lincoln Alumni, terrific 1963 classmates and Southside friends, and the American Legion Post 0523 in Dows, Iowa.

Rod is survived by three children, Sean Patrick Courtney, Meghan Maureen Courtney and Kelly Kathleen Courtney; sister, Chriss Anne Courtney (Tim) Meline; nieces, Carrie (Chris) Gasche, Sarah (Brian) Boerner and Katharine Murphy; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Susan Lee Courtney.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.

The family has requested guests wear masks and respect current social distancing guidelines.

Given the nature of the virus, the wake will be held virtually, on Zoom. Beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, in the room called Remembering Rod Courtney. A passcode will be required for entry. Please contact the family at happyirishman980@gmail.com for the code.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to American Legion Post #0523, P.O. Box 231, Dows, Iowa 50071.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

“Life Has Been Good”

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