Rodney David Anderson
March 02, 2011
Rodney David Anderson, 40, lost his battle with cancer on March 3, 2011, surrounded by his family at Mercy Medical Center.
Rod was born on August 5, 1970 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was raised by his adopted parents, Marietta and Dave Anderson.
Rod graduated from West Des Moines Valley High School in 1989, and earned a degree in Business Management from Upper Iowa University in 1997.
In 1994, Rod married Dawn Cunningham-Kane. Their son David was born in 1997.
Rod was the owner of Net Image Group, and worked as a web developer for Wells Fargo in West Des Moines.
His passion for cooking led the family to form Buster Dog BBQ and they spent the summers competing around the Midwest. In addition, he enjoyed smoking cigars with friends at the local cigar club, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Yankees.
Rod is survived by his wife Dawn; son David; sisters, Jill Motroni and Christine Hudouto; mothers, Marietta Anderson and Charlene Jacobsen; plus countless other family and friends. Rod was preceded in death by his father, David Oakley Anderson.
Services will be at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway with visitation on Friday, March 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. and the funeral on Saturday, March 5 at 12 noon. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to an education and scholarship fund for Rod and Dawn’s son, David. Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Greg And Marjorie Steele
03/09/2011
Dear Dawn
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and David during the sorrowful time. WE wish you peace.
Neil Deutsch
03/05/2011
In today's service for Rod, the Pastor referred to knowing Rod primarily through BBQ events, but still speaking of what a great human being he was. I only knew Rod professionally (from years ago), but always thought the same thing - he was a man of the highest quality. It was a blessing to have known him. I pray that he is at peace and you, his family, may find comfort and healing through the many positive memories you have.
Barb Wasteney
03/04/2011
Dawn & David,
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please know that your friends are here, to lean on. Don't be afraid to ask!
Barb, Mike, Evan & Sydney Wasteney
Paul Schneider
03/04/2011
I met Rod about 9 years ago when he called me for some help with some PHP programing. The class I was to teach about PHP didn't run and well, Rod had signed up. I have to say that turned out to be the best class I never taught! It is strange how one thing can lead to another. After that we hit it off and begin partnering on many projects with his Net Image group business and our friendship grew. You count yourself lucky if you can meet and surround yourself with people filled with positive energy and a zest for life. Rod was one of those people. He was always able to tackle just about anything and see the bright side, even when things - to me at least - seemed grim. Without a doubt I am going to (and am now as I write this) miss Rod dearly both professionally and as a friend. A few years ago I left Des Moines, but continued to travel back for work from time to time. One of the best things about this is it afforded me time to catch up with Rod when I was back in town, learning about latest BBQ escapade, the fun stuff teens get into, to that too funny client. Over the last year in particular I've been amazed with Rod and his ability to meet his illness head on and deal with everything that was coming his way. (I'm sure this was in no small part to the support of his family.) Rod was and will continue to be an inspiration for me. I wish I could be there to share my condolences in person, but know that I am thinking of Dawn, David, the family of course Rod.
I will miss you very much Rod.
Paul
Stacie Thompson
03/04/2011
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We are so sorry for your loss.
Stacie, Eric, and Ashley Thompson
Tina Woosley & Rick Jones
03/04/2011
Dawn our thoughts and prayers are with you and David. We are new to the Iowa BBQ Society family but know that Rod will be missed very much. Please know that if there is anything we can do for you we are only a phone call away. I lost my husband three years ago and it is the family and friends that make things as easy as they can be made. Hugs to you both.
Lila Mart Hiedeman
03/04/2011
Charlene and Family....
May God be with you during this difficult time. He will see you through.
Lila Mart Hiedeman
Lisa Correa
03/04/2011
Dawn, I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you. When you need strength to get through difficult moments know that Rod is still walking beside you.
David, Your father loved you and wanted so much for you. He would talk about you to my huband Sergio all the time. Remember that just as you walked around the house in your dad's big shoes as a little boy, you can still walk in his shoes as the young man you are today. Be the man of the house. Help and support your mom. The two of you need each other more than ever before.
Rod, You were a smart, funny, talented man and you will be missed by many. I don't know anyone who could smoke meats as great as you did or who knew more about football than you. It was a pleasure spending the time with you that I did.
Valerie, Eric, Olivia and Austin Bauer
03/04/2011
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time. Please let me know if we can help you in any way. He will be missed.
Pam Long
03/04/2011
My thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time. May the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Dale Hoppe
03/04/2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Tony Burgart
03/04/2011
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you,Dawn and david, and your family during this difficult time.
The Green Family
03/04/2011
Our greatest sympathies go out to your family during this difficult time. Rod touched many lives and was such an inspiration to us all. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Lucas Freed
03/04/2011
While Rod and I weren't acquainted long, we met through the cigar lounge and BBQ discussions. Always relaxed with a good story or two to share with the. Really enjoyed knowing him. Sorry to learn of his passing and thughts are with his family.
Carter Allen
03/04/2011
Dawn and David,
My condolences to both of you. Rod's life touched so many people in this world. I know that he will be missed. Please let me know if there is anything that you two need in this time of grief. My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time.