The Life of LELAND J RODDA
Leland “Lee” Rodda, 83, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital.
Lee was born July 10, 1929, in Sandyville, Iowa. He attended Pleasantville schools until the family moved to Des Moines. He attended his senior year and graduated from East High School. He married Helen Williams on September 10, 1949. Together they had four children. Lee worked many different jobs during his life. He was often involved in management in production manufacturing. Also, he held the position of theater usher, back when they carried flashlights to lead moviegoers to the best seat. He ran a milk delivery route, and after retirement attended the grounds at the Des Moines Country Club. He held a position in production scheduling at Solar Aircraft until they moved their operations to San Diego.
After deciding to stay in Iowa, Lee and Helen purchased a home and moved the family to the then small suburb of Altoona. Lee was involved in scouting as Troop Scout leader for the Cub Scouts. He also was the Little League team manager for a number of years. His children all attended and graduated from Southeast Polk. This included his nephew, the late Rick Rodda, who came to live with the family as a young teenager. Lee and Helen settled in Berwick for their retirement years. From there they traveled the country to see relatives in many states such as Washington, Colorado, Tennessee, Missouri, the Dakotas, and many more. They enjoyed seeing the wonders of our great country.
Lee enjoyed his yard work and keeping a fatherly eye on his far flung family. He was an avid sports fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, in later years the Cyclones too. He was a St. Louis Cardinal fan and a Minnesota Vikings fan. This led to some lively afternoons as Helen rooted for the Cubs and the Bears.
Lee is survived by his children, Steve Rodda, Ken (Joyce) Rodda, Jeff (Patricia) Rodda, and Wendy Newby; brother, Lyle Rodda; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Helen of 61 years.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, 29, 2012, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League.