Rodney "Rod" Hoegh

Rodney “Rod” Scott Hoegh passed away at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa after a 12 year battle with prostate cancer that had spread to his bones and liver. Hoegh grew up on a farm in Elk Horn, IA and is the oldest of 7 siblings. In his early years he spent a lot of time playing outside. He especially enjoyed playing in his Grandpa Hoegh’s timber. As he got older he would often ride bike into town to play baseball. Rod attended and graduated from Elk Horn-Kimballton Schools in 1968. Rod was the salutatorian of his graduating class. In 1970 Hoegh married Susan Poldberg and they had 6 children (Dawn, Danielle, Dana, Robby, Daira and Reggie). Rod graduated from BYU in 1972, Summa Cum Laude. The start of his educational and coaching career began in Bedford, Iowa. In 1995, Rod married Kathy Zylstra Huyser, who has 2 sons (Dustin and Joel). Rod and Kathy enjoyed ballroom dancing and they had a 2 year adventure in a remote Eskimo village (Elim) in NW Alaska. Rod and Kathy created a great team where Rod was the k-12 principal and Kathy served as the school’s accountant. Hoegh ended his 38 year career in education at Brody Middle School in Des Moines, Iowa in 2011. 15 years in rural Iowa as a Middle School & High School Science. 12 years in Des Moines, Iowa as Middle School and High School Science. 3 years in the Des Moines Alternative School, all subjects 1 year assembly presenter for the Science Center of Iowa 6 years as a principal in rural Iowa districts MS & HS 2 years as a principal in the Alaska wilderness (K-12) 20+ years as a coach (basketball, softball, baseball, track, cross country) 15+ years as an athletic official (softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball, football) In 2011, Rod took early retirement to seek a more relaxed lifestyle and spend more time with his 14 grand children. The grandkids could always count on getting a bag of books or other “thoughtful” gifts whenever they saw Papa Rod. He loved the Iowa Hawkeyes. In the last few years he organized many family trips to Hawkeye sporting events with Kathy, his sons (Robby & Reggie), son-in-law (Clint), siblings and the Harthoorns. Hoegh enjoyed supporting all his kids in their passions and careers. There is no question Rod Hoegh was an outstanding coach and invested in so many lives. In 2014, with the Lord tugging on his heart, Rod and all his stubbornness finally gave in and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior! His identity placed solidly in Christ, there was a distinct change in the depth of his life! In the end, the Lord truly blessed Rod and all the people that knew him. He had countless visits for two days from family and friends. Those that could not get back called or sent messages on facebook, each message and phone call so special to him. Rod was so happy to talk directly with Kathy’s two boys, Joel and Dustin, who he loved and respected so greatly. Finally, one of Rod’s constant prayers was answered as he got to see all his six kids together and was able to have the moment he longed for so much! These last moments also demonstrated the strength and character of his wife Kathy and his ex-wife Susan. The Lord is so good. Today is a day to reflect on a person that made so many contributions to the people he encountered, but in respect of Rod Hoegh the teacher/Coach, it is also a day to learn. May his death and his life demonstrate the redeeming power of Jesus Christ!