Rodney Gerald Reeves of Burlington, died Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. He had experienced health issues for the past several years and after two weeks in the hospital God decided to relieve him of his earthly burdens and called him home.
Rodney was born on Jan. 22, 1954, to Gerald Irwin and Amy Beatrice Berry Reeves in Creston. He grew up in Orient, and graduated from Orient-Macksburg High School in 1971. He loved music, played drums in band, sang in the school choir/small groups and sang in his church choir. He was a member of the National Honor Society. He was a 4-H member and raised sheep he showed at the fair. He was a great help to his parents with chores involving milking cows.
After high school Rod went to Drake University in Des Moines for one year, then transferred to University of Iowa where he graduated in 1975 with a bachelors degree. He worked for a short time in radio broadcasting and was then manager of several theaters. His last position was with Heartland Corrugated in Burlington.
Rod was a published poet. He was a member of The Society of Great River Poets and the Iowa Poetry Association. He attended many conventions and would assist where needed at them.
He was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ in Burlington where he was active in all activities and sang in the choir. He could be depended on to drive elderly members to and from church when they could no longer drive themselves. He was a member of the Players’ Workshop, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (where he was a medical transportation driver) and the Des Moines County Historical Society. He was proud of the many gallons of blood and plasma he donated over the years.
As his love of music grew, he developed a large collection of vinyl records. He could name most recording artists, the songs they recorded and their life stories. He was great to have on your trivia team if this was the subject. He had a brilliant mind and could discuss most topics with any age group.
Rod loved his family and friends and was always there to assist them when needed. He will be missed.
Survivors include his sisters: Connie Quee of Ankeny and Carol (Rick) Mikkelsen of Orient; nine nieces and nephews and his best friend Tony Jones and Tony’s two sons of Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Coyla Yarrington and brother-in-law Gary Quee.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory in Burlington. No services are scheduled at this time.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Rodney’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
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