Rodney L. Remme

Rodney Lee Remme, 93, of Geneseo, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo. Father Daniel Gifford will officiate. A private committal service will be held at a later date. A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. The visitation will immediately follow the rosary from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Abilities Plus, 1100 N. East Street, Kewanee, IL, 61443, Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, 4130 Northwest Blvd., Davenport, IA, 52806, and St. Malachy Catholic School, 595 E. Ogden Ave., Geneseo, IL.

Rodney was born April 9, 1931, the son of Adolph and Gladys (Kiene) Remme. He graduated from Prophetstown High School. He grew up working hard and farming with his family.  In 1950, Rodney married Dorothy Bultema. He proudly served in the United States Army as part of the 101st Airborne. Rod was employed at Geneseo Telephone Company and after retiring, if he wasn’t out golfing, he drove school buses for several years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Catholic Order of Foresters, Moose Lodge, and the Geneseo Rolle Bolle Club. Grandpa Rod adored his wife Dorothy and cherished the 71 amazing years together. Together they raised two sons and watched their family grow through the years. Rod was known for his love of twirling Dorothy around the dance floor, his devotion to his grandkids and great grandkids, and his relentless “teasing” to keep a smile on everyone’s face. Rodney and Dorothy enjoyed making memories with all their friends through the years playing cards, having cocktails, watching the Cubs, and any Illinois sports team. You might still be able to hear Rod hollering from above watching the Cubs. 

Marty blessed Rodney with four granddaughters, Lexie, Taryn, Taylor and Torie. Randy gave Rodney his one and only grandson Chase. Taryn gave Grandpa the gift of being a great grandpa, for the first time, in 2010 to her daughter Sydnie. Soon after Grandpa had 5 more great grandchildren, Kamden, Cason, Cole, Saylor, and Laken. Rodney led the Remme Family with faith, strength, unconditional love and perseverance. Our family finds comfort in all the sorrow knowing Grandma and Grandpa are now together dancing in Heaven. And as Gram always said, “This too shall pass, and Be tough, you’re a Remme”.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Randy Lee (Veronica) Remme, and Marty Joe Remme; grandchildren, Lexie (Casey) Smith, Taryn Tia Remme, Torie (Jake) Voliner, Chase Remme, and Taylor Remme; and great-grandchildren, Sydnie, Kamden, Cason, Cole, Saylor, and Laken.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Gladys Remme; his loving wife, Dorothy Remme; and siblings, Donald Remme, Marvin Remme, and Phyllis Sellers.

The family would like to thank everyone who took care of him through his last several weeks to include Hammond Henry Hospital and the amazing staff at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.