Jeff Rodda

Jeffrey Wayne Rodda (68) passed away on May 3, 2024. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Please check back for updates. Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League and Iowa Public Television.

Jeffrey Rodda was born to Leland and Helen (Williams) Rodda on July 1, 1955, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was raised and educated in the area, graduating from Southeast Polk High school with the class of 1973. Following his primary education, Jeff moved to Arizona and set up mobile homes for a living. He later joined the United States Naval Reserves and was called to serve in the Philippines. He would later work for the Polk County Auditor's office and eventually retire from Iowa Tile and Abstract in May of 2023.

One night on the patio at Gringos Jeff met Patricia Ann Layland. Together they made plans to attend the “Art In The Park” art festival the next day. Jeff brought her a t-shirt from the opening night of the patio but he also bought her a print of some children playing on a playground. Patrica was a special education teacher in the Johnston public school system. They would spend the next four years dating and building the framework for their life together.

On a hot July day in 1985, surrounded by lilacs, the two were united in marriage at Ewing Park in Des Moines. And while there were no children brought to their union, the two filled their house with big dogs, especially great pyrenees. Jeff always said, “I like a dog, I don't have to bend down to pet.” They would spend their honeymoon in Bettendorf, Iowa, on the Mississippi at an antique hotel, where in the dining room the waiters would sing. Together they would take many trips around the country; California, Colorado, Wisconsin and also the great lakes. Jeff also loved to take Patricia on long meandering drives in the country, especially in the spring after the animals had been born. Though they would later separate, they remained close.

Jeff loved reading mysteries (especially James Patterson and Dick Frances), but he also loved watching movies; action and mysteries were some of his favorites. But Jeff also liked to be out and around people; striking up conversations with anyone. Jeff had a way of making friends with just about everybody and it could be said that he never knew a stranger.

In death, Jeff rejoins his parents, Leland and Helen Rodda; sister, Wendy Newby; cousin, Rick Rodda.

Left to cherish his memory is is his wife, Patricia Layland-Rodda; siblings, Steve Rodda and Ken Rodda as well as a host of extended family and close personal friends.