Rod Calkins

Rod L. Calkins, 77, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Sunday, May 17 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown with family and friends by his side after complications from cancer. Rod was born on April 3, 1938 in Melbourne, IA. He was the son of Lyle and Glorine (DeVilbiss) Calkins. He spent his childhood in Melbourne, IA before moving to Marshalltown with his family during his high school years from where he graduated. Rod served his country proudly in the United States Air Force and then returned home to marry Charlotte (Davis) Calkins, of Baton Rouge, LA. After marriage, Rod and Charlotte relocated back to Marshalltown, IA to continue his employment with Fisher Controls, of which he worked for 37 years and ultimately retired. After his first wifes passing, he married to Mary Jane (Smith) Calkins of Marshalltown, IA who stood by his side for twenty-eight years until his passing. Left to remember Rod are his wife, Mary Jane Calkins of Marshalltown; daughters, Christy Rinnan (Duane) of Truro, IA; grandchildren, Michael Rinnan, Haddonfield, NJ, Tyler (Chelsey) Rinnan, Eagan, MN; Leah (Matt) Daniels, West Des Moines, IA; great grandchild Korbin Daniels; Darcy Imlach (Bill) of Mokena, IL; grandchildren, Charlotte, Sophie, Ethan; son, Trevor Calkins (Cindy) of Stoughton, WI; grandchild, Ashlee; siblings, Paula (Gary) Vanderley of Ankeny, IA and Bonita (Dick) Sharp of Wall Lake, IA and many nieces and nephews. Rods was a proud man with a primary focus to see his family succeed in future life. His children were his pride and legacy and if you would listen, he would spend hours telling you so. In retirement, Rod would spend his time doing what he enjoyed most, fishing, bowling, eating, and watching his Iowa Hawkeyes, as well as discussing his love for his country and the politics of the day. While not pursuing his passions, you could often find Rod mowing or blowing snow for the neighbors or just being available to help at a moments notice. Rod was preceded in death by his first wife Charlotte Calkins, and mother and father, Lyle and Glorine Calkins Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at the Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellefh.com. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Rod and his family. Please call 641-844-1234. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be directed to Iowa River Hospice.