Rodney E. "Rod" Benedix, 62, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
A celebration of Rod's life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, February 9, 2018, at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2018, from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Rodney Eugene Benedix was born on October 5, 1955 in Sioux City, Iowa, to Dale Eugene and Dolores Virginia (Wendel) Benedix. Rod was a 1973 graduate of Moville, Iowa High School and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1977 and his music endorsement from Loras College in Dubuque in 1992. He married Rebecca Ann Conry on July 28, 1979 in Moville, Iowa and they had two children, Ashley Ann-Marie and Katherine JoAnn.
Rod first worked as the K-5 Elementary Music Instructor for the Midland Community Schools from 1992 to 1998. He then became the 6th thru 8th grade Vocal Music Instructor for Maquoketa Community Schools from 1998 to 2014.
Rod was of the Lutheran faith being baptized on November 27, 1955 in Correctionville, Iowa, and confirmed on May 4, 1969 in Holstein, Iowa. He had been a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa where he had served as a part-time organist from 1983 to 2017. He had also been a former member of the Iowa State Education Association and the Iowa Choral Directors Association.
Rod loved his family and especially loved giving presents at Christmas and birthdays. He especially enjoyed cooking Thanksgiving dinner with his Aunt Katherine for 20 years, having lunch with Katie, always knowing that Ashley had his back, watching Becky change the decorating in the house each and every holiday, taking his mom out to lunch at Red Lobster and shopping with her at Younkers, and family time with his girls.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Rebecca "Becky" Benedix of Maquoketa, IA; daughters, Ashley Ann-Marie Benedix of Beaver Dam, WI, and Katherine JoAnn Benedix of Marion, IA; his mother Dolores Benedix of Moville, IA; brothers, Steven Benedix of Renton, WA, Kelly (Suzanne) Benedix of Moville, IA, and Brian (Rochelle Ehlers) Benedix of Moville, IA; sisters, Lisa (Eric) Hunter of Federal Way, WA, and Kimberly (Alberto) Laureano of Temple, TX; step-mother-in-law, Joyce Conry of Orange City, IA; brother-in-law, Dennis (Rita) Conry of Moville, IA; sisters-in-law, Leanna Bottger of Moville, IA, and Janette Conry of West Des Moines, IA; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and special canine granddogs, Cali and Betsy; and grandcat, Tigger. He was preceded in death by his father Dale Benedix, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Shirley Conry, maternal grandparents Emile and Ida Wendel, paternal grandparents Fred and Marie Benedix, and numerous aunts and uncles.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Rodney E. "Rod" Benedix memorial fund has been established with funds being divided towards the following: a scholarship for a Maquoketa High School graduate who is a continuing vocal music major, First Lutheran Church Choir fund, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Moville, Iowa towards the kitchen fund.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
Ira (Luke) Lukie L. Johnson wrote on Dec 31, 2018:
"I had Mr. Benedix as a teacher he was an amazing person to know and have as a teacher. I never thought a teacher could have such a impact on his students I wish I could have him as a teacher one more time. He will always be my favorite teacher I know I say that all the time but he truly will and always be my favorite
Rod if you are watching I hope you are proud of the music I have made and things I done. There are some choices he would have said that it was not smart but he was there for you and was willing to talk if you needed some advice or just needed to talk. I could go on and on and on about Rod but we all loved him prayers and thoughts
Till we meet again "
Sheila Monson wrote on Feb 12, 2018:
"I will miss seeing Rod's smiling face at choir festivals and workshops. He was such a sincerely nice person and a lot of fun to talk to. So sorry for your loss. Sheila Monson"
Sharon wrote on Feb 10, 2018:
"Thoughts with your family. Comforting words at Rev. 21:3,4 bring a hope for the future. "
Jessica Mitts wrote on Feb 9, 2018:
"I was a former student of Mr. Benedix, and he retired shortly after my 8th grade year. We were his last class. He was a hard working, fun loving teacher. I'm so thankful for the time he spent teaching me and my peers about music. He has always been someone I look up to. Prayers for your family. "
Brenda Groves & Families wrote on Feb 8, 2018:
"Katie & Benedix Family We am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I enjoyed your dad and his stories , Being in his room was never dull. He loved his family for sure . Always bragged about you guys . I always teased him about his cooking and cleaning. What a Great man that is going to be missed a lot . He is probably playing music in heaven and singing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace ."
chuck farnum wrote on Feb 7, 2018:
"I looked over Jordan..........what did I see.........(comin' for to Carry Me Home)...... a CHOIR of Angels...................the Choir just got better!"
John Burrow wrote on Feb 7, 2018:
"We first met Rod through Peace Pipe Players, where his talent and joy for life shone out brilliantly. The community loved him onstage and off. His hearty exuberance and, especially for me, vast friendliness made every rehearsal for every show a delight not just for us but for everyone, and Rod became a real friend outside of the theatre, too. I always enjoyed walking down Apple Street in the summertime, knowing he would be out in the yard with those amazing flowers and we could talk about anything for probably far too long. We are deeply saddened by his unfortunate passing, leaving a vast emptiness in so many lives. "
Kevin Bowman wrote on Feb 7, 2018:
"It was a joy to work with Rod at the MS for so many years. I enjoyed how much he cared about ALL of our students. You could always set your watch to the fact that his MS concerts would be 50 minutes long! Rod paid great attention to detail. I can't go without mentioning his love for the outdoors and gardening/flowers. He had a great passion for beautifying his yards. When his health started to fail he would reach out to me for "some hard working football players" that would help with this projects. The student-athletes would always comment on how much they enjoyed working with and for Rod. A great man who dedicated himself to others! God bless!
"
Stephanie A. Perez wrote on Feb 7, 2018:
"Becky & Family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Rod. He was a nice man. He will be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. May he rest in peace. "
Dr. Paul and Valerie Horst wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"Becky, Kate and Ashley,
It's with great sorrow that Valerie and I have heard about Rod's passing. I have many memories of working with him in theater as well as treating him professionally in my office.
He always had an infectious laugh that made him a joy to be around. He made a definite impact on the Maquoketa scene and enriched the lives of countless students through the years. We will remember him in our prayers and may God grant you strength in the days to come."
Chris Hoover wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Becky.
Sincerely,
Chris, Karin, Keelan Hoover"
The Fareway Deli Staff wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"So sorry to hear of Rod's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Steve & Cindy Daniels wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"So sorry to hear of Rod's passing. He will be greatly missed by many. Keep smiling and singing with the angels in heaven, Rod. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."
Lynn Anderson wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"I was a classmate of Rod's and remember him as being a kind, quiet, funny and friendly person. I am so sorry for your loss! Sympathy to the family! Lynn Rath Anderson"
Keith &Joyce Sevening wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"Keith Sevening and I Joyce (Brown) Sevening were Rod's Classmate. We were Sorry to read about his Passing on fb. We send our Deepest most Heartfelt Sympathy to his family."
Ken and Chris Weuste wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"Our prayers and thoughts are with Rod's family and friends. May the Lord be with you."
Penny Nuti (Cleary) (Bennett) wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"Becky, Girls, & family, So very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed spring, summer, & fall on days I got to deliver your mail & Rod was out. He loved flowers & was always outside & would briefly name flowers (which I enjoyed) May the Lord provide you comfort, strength, & love. "
Lori Thordsen wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
""Mr Benedix" was very loved by my children when he taught music at Midland
so sorry he is gone way too soon
Lori Thordsen"
Gary & Alice Mohl wrote on Feb 6, 2018:
"Rodney developed an EXCELLENT elementary music program for the Midland Schools & was VERY DEDICATED to his position!!!!Our symphony is with his family ! Gary & Alice Mohl"
Ardyth Potter wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"So sad to see such a great guy leaving this world way too soon. I know it's been too many years since I got the chance to stop and visit. I always enjoyed sitting and talking. Rod was always the type to keep busy, but had time to sit and visit. I remember when he worked at the middle school. Sue, Rod and I always found time to talk and laugh about something, actually anything. I loved his easy way, and how he could put a person at ease so quickly. Don't think he ever met a strange. I can still remember his laugh. Becky, you and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers, for the world has lost a wonderful father, husband and friend. Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures, it brings a smile to my face, while there is sadness in my heart. "
Elaine Dull wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Becky and family are in my thoughts and prayers sorry for your loss"
LeAnn & Dick McCallister wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Our hearts are breaking at hearing the loss of such a wonderful and talented man. Rod was one in a million and he will be missed dearly by all the hearts and lives he touched over the years with his beautiful voice, humor and love. Rod you are now at peace with no more suffering. The angels above have gained a wonderful man. We will miss you dear friend."
Carolyn Sheckler wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"I worked with Rod while he was at Midland. Looking at the photos that are posted makes me remember so many good times with Rod. We had lunch at the same time where we shared many stories about our kids, gripes about whatever was bugging us at the time, several good jokes and witty remarks, and tons of good laughs and plenty of smiles. He was a special guy that we all will miss. His friendship meant more to me than he ever knew. Your family has my deepest sympathy."
Cindy Fie wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"God now has a fantastic choir director to conduct the Highest choir there is. He will have everyone singing for joy. Rod was a great teacher and joke teller. I will always remember his laughter, his smile and his beautiful voice. I will remember and also miss my dear friend. To Becky and girls you are in my thoughts. "
Adrian & Bonnie Browne wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Becky and girls, So sorry for your loss. He was a very special man with a wonderful smile. There is a new angel in the Heavenly Choir. Adrian and Bonnie Browne"
Karen and Wayne Streif wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Becky and Girls,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rod was a wonderful friend. Memories of him fill my mind... saving a seat for me at staff meetings, giving us flowers literally by the truck load, Him laving his chorus sing Danny Boy for me. singing at our wedding, etc. We will miss him. He was one of a kind and he was a kind one! Love, Karen and Wayne "
Ryan & Susie Gerischer wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"We are so sorry for your loss. We pray you find some comfort as you remember fond times together and knowing he is in Heaven."
Jennifer Gavin wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"So sorry for your loss Becky and girls. Rod had such an infectious laugh and a wonderful smile. You are in my thoughts...."
Cec n sheila bentley wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"We were so sorry to hear of Rod's death. CecAlways enjoyed working with Rod and we loved knowing him as a terrific person. You have our deepest sympathy. Keeping you in our prayers. Cec &Sheila Bentley."
Connie Bonney wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Becky and the girls- my heart breaks to read of Rod's passing, I first met him when he worked for my brother Arnold at A-1 tv and appliance... He could joke and have the best of times...I enjoyed his music and enjoyed listening to him too.. please know i am thinking of you all, God has a musical angel coming his way!"
Sandy Antons wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"So sorry for your loss. It was my pleasure to work with Rod while we both were teaching at Midland. He had so much fun with the kids during music class. My oldest son was fortunate to have him as a teacher. "
Lizzie wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Mr. B was one amazing vocal teacher. I loved learning from him. I was so sad when he left from teaching but knew it was the best thing for his health. My prayers to his family. He is at peace now!"
Ruth Broman wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Words cannot express how much I will miss Rod. His humor, willingness to help others and friendship with our family will be missed. May God comfort his family during this time."
Hope Broman wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"My heart breaks. Rod was such a special friend to our family, a beautiful soul with a beautiful voice and infectious laugh. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are for peace and comfort during this most difficult time. "
Janet Trekell wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"So very sorry to read of your loss. My sympathy extends to you Becky and your whole family. I always enjoyed visiting with him, he certainly loved his family, his music, and life. He had shared many many stories with me. The last year was quite a struggle for all of you and him. May he Rest in Peace in the arms of his Savior! God give you strength in this time of loss"
Debra Gerardy wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Rod was such a joy to work with. My deepest sympathy. "
Nancy Wagoner wrote on Feb 5, 2018:
"Becky and family, You have our deepest sympathy. Nancy and Wayne Wagoner
"