Whene, Rodney John - 1926-2012

CRANE, GOETTEN, JOHNSON, SCHICKLER, WHENE

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/16/2024 at 14:22:26

Rodney John Whene was called to his eternal home with the Lord on Tuesday evening, August 28, 2012. His lifelong love and our "Beautiful Lady," Ruth Marie Whene, welcomed him with angel arms.
Rodney was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on January 2, 1926, where he spent his childhood. He was a member of the Armed Forces from 1943 to 1949, serving our country in World War II. It was during this time, in 1947, that he met Ruth, his one true love. They were married on June 5, 1948 and began a beautiful life together. Always seeking fresh surroundings , they lived in Chicago, IL; Fox Lake, IL; Greendale, WI; Schaumburg, IL; and Elgin, IL as they raised their five beloved children.
A hard working and dignified man, Rodney worked for Tri-Coast Shipping Company and Barber Blue Sea, where he traveled the world to provide for his family. As a result of his experiences, he not only pursued business and created lifelong friendships across the globe, but he also developed a deep appreciation for international affairs and current events.
After raising their family and Rodney leaving the workforce in 1986, the happy couple began the next, and truly wonderful, chapter of their lives in Naples, Florida. While Ruth worked at Naples Flower Shop, Rodney became the neighborhood handyman. He loved living near the water and the leisurely way of life, including the popular backyard pool. The highlight of Rodney and Ruth's life in Naples was graciously entertaining treasured family and dear friends at their home.
In 2000, they returned to the Midwest, choosing the quiet town of Stillman Valley. These years were filled with gardening and precious time with one another, and loved ones.
In 2006, Rodney and Ruth made their final move to Urbandale, IA. Rodney devoted his heart and soul to caring for Ruth in her final years. After her passing in 2009, he once again traveled the country and the world, visiting friends. Most importantly, he spent his time giving to others. A remarkably caring and thoughtful soul, he loved helping his sister, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with home projects, creating special gifts, and assisting neighbors. He served others, especially during difficult times, with sincere love and empathy.
Rodney is now at peace, finding perfect joy in Heaven. Although he is gone from our sight, the lessons he has taught us and legacy that he has blessed us with will live on forever.
Rodney is welcomed to Heaven by his beautiful bride, Ruth, his mother, Sigrid, and father, Rudolph.
Rodney will be missed by his loving children: Deborah (Jim) Crane, Claudia (Paul) Schickler, Pamela Goetten, David (Mary) Whene, and John (Carolyn) Whene. He also leaves behind his dear sister, Patricia Johnson and nephew, Mark. Additionally, his beloved grandchildren : Kristin, Ingrid (Scott), Emily (Gregory), Jessica (Christopher), Alexandria , Brent, David Jr., Michael and Leila. His great-grandchildren, who he cherished deeply: Kaylie, Kendall, Grace, Connor, Sophia and Grayson.
A prayer service, led by Father John O. Bertogli, was held in the Chapel of St. Ambrose Cathedral, Des Moines, Iowa. There will a celebration of life to honor our dear Rodney at the Rose Garden of the Des Moines Art Center on October 6 at 11:00am.
Donations can be made in Rodney's honor to either: Autism Speaks at 1060 State Road - 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540 or www.autismspeaks.org ; or Lupus Foundation of America at 525 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60661 or www.lupus.org.
Brooks Funeral Care University Chapel
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, September 2, 2012, page 9B