Wayne Hoodjer

Wayne Howard Hoodjer, age 71, of Rapids City, IL, formerly of Grundy Center, IA, passed away August 29, 2021 at his home surrounded by loved ones.  Visitation and fellowship will be from 4-8 pm Thursday, September 2 at United Reformed Church in Wellsburg, IA (608 S. Adams St.)  A family graveside service will be held on Friday 10 am at Shiloh Cemetery, Wellsburg, IA.   In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Wayne was born July 20, 1950 in Eldora, Iowa; the son of John R. and Gertrude D. (Meyer) Hoodjer.  He attended school and graduated from Wellsburg High School in 1968.  Wayne married Carol A. Deike on November 4, 1978 in Ackley, IA.  They made their home in Grundy Center before moving to an acreage in Holland, IA.  They later moved to Rapids City, IL to be closer to family.  Wayne worked in the parts department at International Harvester and then at Clemons Chevrolet, putting in over 32 years.

Having grown up on the farm, Wayne loved tinkering in the shed and working on his IH tractor.  He enjoyed reading, model trains, working word search puzzles, playing cards and doing pixel art.  Winston and Murphy Lynn brought daily smiles, as did many other family dogs over the years. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.  He cherished their years boating at Clear Lake and their trips to Table Rock Lake in Branson, MO.

Wayne is survived by his wife and best friend, Carol; son, Brian (Kari) Hoodjer, Adel, IA; daughter, Dana (Jason) Gibson, Rapids City, IL; grandchildren, Nellie and Sawyer Hoodjer and Oliver Gibson; siblings, Joyce (Richard) Badrick, Miles, IA, Carol White, Marshalltown, IA, Gary Hoodjer, Wellsburg, IA, Jay (Kristy) Hoodjer, Runnells, IA; and sister-in-law, Arlene Hoodjer, Wellsburg, IA, along with his other in-laws, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Elmer and Alice Deike, brother Leslie Hoodjer and brother-in-law Sam White.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4