Rodney “Rod” Bloxham
Rodney Duane Bloxham, age 81, passed away September 9, 2021 in Lansing. Visitation will be Sunday, September 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon. Memorial services will be held Monday, September 20 at 11 a.m. at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Masks are encouraged. Burial will be at a later date.
Rodney “Rod” Duane Bloxham was born December 20, 1939 to Robert V. and Elvera J. (Svebakken) Bloxham. Rod spent most of his youth living with his grandfather, Peter S. Svebakken, on his farm near Waterville. Rod was baptized and confirmed at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church, where he remained a lifelong member.
He attended Waterville School and graduated in 1957. During his school years, Rod worked on the farms of the Henry Palas family (aunt and uncle), Floyd Kolsrud family and Robert Hagen family. In November 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge in December 1960, Rod returned to northeast Iowa and renewed his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Evonne Odegard. Rod and Evonne were married July 8, 1961 at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church.
For the period of January 1961 to August 1962, Rod was employed as a bookkeeper for Butler-Grundy Farm Service Co. in Allison. Rod and Evonne, along with newborn infant Julie, relocated to Mesa, AZ, where he started his banking career. Rod worked days at the Valley National Bank, some evenings and weekends at a service station, and attended business classes at the University of Tempe. In April 1964, Rod and family returned to Iowa and he began working again for Farm Service Co. in Waukon.
Rod had a love for the banking business. In April 1966, he began working for Kerndt Bros. Savings Bank in Lansing and Harpers Ferry. He continued working at Kerndt Bros. for the next 36-1/2 years, retiring December 31, 2002. Rod enjoyed his banking career immensely, starting as a bookkeeper and advancing to Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at the time of his retirement. Rod also served on the Board of Directors until January 2006. He enjoyed his customers and was so pleased when he was able to help people achieve their goals.
Rod believed strongly in community development. During his years in Lansing, he served on various boards such as the Kiwanis, Jaycees, City Council, Allamakee County Sportsman’s Club, Lions Club, Allamakee County Bankers Organization and the Lansing Chamber of Commerce. In 1966, Rod was the recipient of the Jaycee of the Year Award. In 1967, he was named the Outstanding Local President for Region 4 of the Iowa Jaycees. In 1968, he received the Jaycee of the Year Award again for his leadership in the building of the Lansing Swimming Pool, which was built solely from donations from the community. Rod was so proud of this project and the pool continues to be in use yet today.
During his years as a Lions Club member, Rod was the chairman of the Fish Days celebration for many years and was presented the award Mr. Venetian Nights for the years 1980, 1983 and 1986. Rod received seven Sportsman of the Month awards and twice was voted Sportsman of the Year. These awards were all voted on by the membership, which made each award more meaningful. In addition to the many civic clubs, Rod always found time for his church, where he served on the Board of Education, as a Deacon, and chaired the Finance Committee for several years.
Rod worked hard and loved to help organize, but always reserved time to laugh and have fun. He especially liked houseboating and later switched to traveling by motor home to many locations around the country. He loved working in his yard and caring for his many flowers, especially his roses. Rod loved entertaining and enjoyed his many friends, especially the friendship of many years with the card club. After retirement, Rod and Evonne spent 12 years commuting to Alamo, TX, where they maintained and enjoyed their winter home.
Rod is survived by Evonne, his best friend and wife of 60 years, of Lansing; three daughters: Julie (Michael) Burington of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Sheri (Jeff) Bowar of Prairie du Chien, WI and Jodi Bloxham of Iowa City; three granddaughters: Beth Hennessey (Chad Leverty), Emily (Anthony) Hennes and Hannah (Chance) Manson-Fryman; three grandsons: Jacob (BJ) Burington, Alex Jackson and Jonah Manson; three great-grandsons: Michael, Jayson and Arlo; his sisters-in-law, Elaine (Kent) Larson and Lynn (Mark) Ste. Marie; his brother-in-law, Gene (Connie) Odegard; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Rod was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather; his parents-in-law; and two brothers-in law.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rod’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
