Zachary Michael Rhodes (1979-2016)

RHODES, TJADEN, LEO

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 3/4/2016 at 14:44:04

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Zachary Michael Rhodes was born May 11, 1979 in Clinton to his parents, Mike and Margie Rhodes. The family moved to Ames soon after Zack was born and he grew up in Ames, graduating from Ames High School in 1997.

Zack is survived by his parents; his sister Katie (Todd) Tjaden and children, Thomas, Allison and Brianna; and his sister Bridget (Joe) Leo and children, Andrew and Peter.

Zack lived in Ames, close to his parents and sisters, and saw them almost every day. He always had a smile for everyone, had a wonderful sense of humor, and enjoyed joking and laughing with family and friends. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, who were always so excited when Zack was around to play with them. He read books and played catch with little Peter, played Wii and basketball with Thomas and Andrew, and was the sea monster in the lake for Allison and Brianna. Zack was his Dad's favorite golf partner, and somehow they seemed to tie in every tournament that they played in together. Zack was always looking for a good movie to watch with his dad, and they enjoyed going to and watching Iowa games together. Zack will be missed by his sisters and his mom, who knew that they always had a dear friend in Zack to joke with, care about their lives, and help them with any project that they had. He especially loved working outside and loved planting and helping with their landscaping. Zack played the piano and guitar, and loved listening to music and going to concerts. And, Zack dearly loved his Newfoundland dog, Dusty.

Zack always enjoyed sports and played golf, basketball and football for many years. In addition to organized sports, he spent many hours playing football and basketball with friends. He was on the Ames High football team and played fullback on the team that was State runner up in the 4A championship game. The high school students often chanted "moose" when he went into the game. He was a strong runner and loved to tackle and block. He was a recruited walk on for the University of Iowa football team, where his role was to run plays against the first team defense in practice. He went to the Sun Bowl with the team in 1997 and enjoyed the experience, but decided that he should devote more time to studying and played only one year at Iowa. He graduated from Iowa with a degree in Economics.

Zack struggled with health problems and fought a courageous battle trying to overcome his obstacles. In spite of this, he never failed to try to smile and bring joy to those around him.

Zack enjoyed traveling. He spoke Spanish well, and was traveling in Mexico when he died of a heart attack. His family is heartbroken, and can't imagine life without Zack. But, we know that he is now at peace. We picture Zack in heaven holding baby Samuel on his lap while joking and playing bridge with Grandma and Grandpa Flaherty and Uncle Chuck; laughing with cousin John; listening to music with Grandma Rhodes, and playing football with Grandpa Rhodes. We pray that he may rest in peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial
FEB 13. 11:00 AM
St. Cecilia Catholic Church
2900 Hoover Ave.
Ames, IA, US, 50010

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

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