Vina Marie Rodecker, 77, drifted away peacefully on May 2, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family, after a severe allergic reaction to a medication, which led to a rare disease, Stevens - Johnson Syndrome. She fought her hardest, but it was just too much to bear. A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Faith United Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. at the church.

Vina grew up on her family’s farm in Bronson, Iowa, which served as the foundation for her close relationship with her older brother, Dean. A farm-girl through and through, she remained concerned about and on top of the weather her whole life. She even followed it in the cities where her children lived and often called or texted to make sure they were okay whenever storms came through. Vina met the love of her life, Robert Rodecker, in 1964, when they both worked at Bellis Hess. At just 16 years old, she knew he was the one. She graduated from Lawton Bronson High School in 1966, where she played many sports and made life-long friends. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Morningside College in 1969, completing her degree in just three and half years. Immediately upon graduation, Vina began her teaching career for the Sioux City Community School District. She taught for four years until her first child was born and then returned to teaching 13 years later after her youngest went to kindergarten. She spent 31 years teaching, primarily kindergarten. She absolutely loved her students, and they loved her as well. She poured her heart into making a welcoming classroom and was often the steady presence her students needed in their lives. She also cared deeply about her co-workers and became close friends with several of the teachers and principals with whom she worked over the years.

Vina married Bob on December 20, 1968, the day after he was discharged from the US Navy. They couldn’t wait to begin their life as a married couple. Vina and Bob shared a full life together raising their three children, Troy, Travis, and Tanya. They spent endless hours on the baseball fields and in the bleachers and auditoriums cheering on their kids in their activities. They enjoyed dancing and traveling together and played in several couples card clubs over the years. Vina loved romantic comedies and wore Bob down until he loved them too. Their love for each other was steadfast and complete, true partners in life.

Vina had many interests, hobbies, and activities in which she participated over her life. She was always hungry for knowledge and would research many new topics that she came across so that she could better understand them. She played in bowling and golf leagues for many years. She was an active member of her PEO chapter from 1983 until the present. She was an active member of Faith United Presbyterian Church where she served on several committees and planned and hosted many events. She enjoyed cheering on the Nebraska Huskers and the Kansas City Chiefs and could often be heard yelling “go get ‘em” or “you dumb-bunny” at the screen. She was a live-long avid reader and enjoyed reading romance novels and popular fiction. But Vina’s greatest interest was her five grandchildren. She put much time and effort into attending their activities, learning about their interests, finding outings they would enjoy on their visits, and being a rock, advice giver, and steady listening ear for her two older grandchildren as they became young adults. She loved her kids and grandkids deeply.

Vina retired from teaching in 2010 and was thoroughly enjoying her retirement. She spent many hours entertaining family and friends, reading, cooking, watching game shows, and playing cards. She was always busy with PEO, church committees, monthly book club, weekly ladies card club, high school friends lunch group, teaching friends lunch group, couples card groups, keeping in touch with her cousins, visiting her Kansas City grandkids, and, of course, spending time with Bob.

Vina will be remembered for many things, but some of our favorites include her perfect hair, her put-together outfits-always with matching earrings, her warm and comforting hugs, her willingness to always view the glass as half full, and her ability to always see the best in people. She will be missed dearly.

Vina is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bob; her three children and their spouses; Troy (Kelly Dornon), Travis (Jessica), and Tanya (Sam) Wendt; her five grandchildren, Cody and Tanner Rodecker, Taylor, Mason, and Avery Wendt; her sisters-in-law Linda Rasmusen and Susan Rodecker; her brother and sister-in-law Richard and Lillian Rodecker, several nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Velma Rasmussen; her brother, Dean Rasmussen; her nephew, Steven Rasmussen; her father and mother-in-law Robert and Rose Rodecker; and several friends.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, led by Dr. Hao and his incredible team.