VASEY, Rodney J. (1961-2018)

VASEY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 1/29/2019 at 12:59:52

Rodney John Vasey
(January 30, 1961 - May 17, 2018)

Rodney John Vasey, beloved husband, father, papa, and ironworker was on a joyride in his 1973 Stingray Corvette on May 17, 2018, when the Lord took him home.
Rod was born on January 30, 1961 in Des Moines, Iowa to John, deceased, and Delores (Paulson) Vasey. He had three siblings, Jeanne Bailey, deceased; Virginia (Charles) Vasey; and Brad (Rosa) Vasey. He was also blessed with a step family including mother Mary, deceased, and siblings Barbara (Steve) Chambers; Brad (Kris) Barkley; Brian (Virginia) Barkley; and Valerie (Brent) Culp.
Rod graduated from Nevada High School in 1979. He married his high school sweetheart, Dawn Krabacher, in 1980. Shortly after, son James (Jessica) was born in 1982. Daughter Calista (Chris) Sievers followed two years later in 1984. Rod and Dawn completed their family in 1992 with the birth of their youngest daughter, Brooke.
Rod’s grandchildren had his whole heart. James and Jessica have three children. Abby (11) will always remember ice fishing with her Papa. Lilly (9) loved any type of fishing with Papa. Rod was elated when Will (4) came along to carry on the Vasey name and he had someone to wrestle. Will and Papa both loved “fighting.” Calista and Chris have two daughters. Madelyn (8) loved going for rides on Papa’s mower. One of her favorite memories will always be human bowling. Papa would be the ball and the grandkids were the pins. Papa gave Madelyn her first black eye while bowling for a strike. Kinley (5) will remember playing with Papa on the swing set. Her favorite was making Papa laugh. Kinley wants us all to remember, “at least we have Papa in our hearts.” Brooke has Papa’s girl Alaynah (6). Alaynah loved rides in Papa’s “race car” and sleepovers with Papa and Grammy.
While his family meant everything to him, Rod was also committed to his Ironworker family. He followed in his father-in-law’s footsteps starting in ironwork at the age of 18. His passion and dedication to his work led to ownership in Steel Erectors of Iowa.
Rod always found time for fishing trips to Canada and Branson with his best buddies. He loved to cheer on the LA Dodgers with Dawn and the Iowa State Cyclones with his family and friends. Rod also enjoyed golfing, woodworking, and watching the grandchildren play sports. As stubborn as Rod was, his family was never told “no” and he provided for them and loved them unconditionally.
Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2018 at the First Assembly of God Church 1700 West 2nd Ave., Indianola, IA. The visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 24 at Overton Funeral Home with family present from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorials can be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in Rod’s name. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/