Rodney Iwema

Rodney A. Iwema, 74, of Gurnee, passed away March 29, 2014 at Libertyville Manor. He was born June 14, 1939 in Chicago to the late John A. and Minnie Iwema. On June 10, 1961 in South Holland, Illinois, Rodney married the love of his life, Diane Ippel.
Survived by his loving, caring wife of 52 years, Diane; "Pops" to children, Kent (Sherri) Iwema, Cheryl (Eric) Dorobek and Darrell Iwema; brother, Larry (Kathy) Iwema; sister-in-law, Sharon (Randy) Boonstra; "Umpa" to grandchildren, Kaleen, Connor and Cole Iwema, Jessica and Joshua Dorobek; and one niece and three nephews.
Rod graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan in 1962, received his Master's Degree from University of Illinois; was a teacher and administrator in Harvey and Dolton, Illinois and Superintendent of Gurnee School District 56 from 1974-1982. He was a State Farm Insurance Agent until his retirement in 2001.
He was active in Boy Scouts earning the rank of Eagle. His life was filled with many activities and hobbies. He loved to travel, bike ride, hike, scuba dive, camp, geocache; enjoyed creating stained glass art, jewelry from tumbled rocks, woodworking, photography and collecting. He was his children and grandchildren's number one fan to all their events. He and Diane traveled extensively visiting all of the 50 states, trips to Europe and 223 lighthouses.
He was an active member of Gurnee Community Church, Gurnee and Grayslake Exchange Clubs and Gagewood Lions Club. He was a trustee for the Grayslake Fire Department.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 26th with visitation, 10am-12noon, service at noon with luncheon to follow at Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee with Pastor Brian Walter officiating. Inurnment will be at Warren Cemetery, Gurnee.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Michael J. Fox for Parkinson's Research Foundation, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, New York 10163-4777.