Rodney James Vrzak

Rodney James Vrzak age 69 of Waucoma, died Thursday, June 25, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass.  Interment will follow at the church cemetery with Taylor DeSloover, Jocelynn DeSloover, Landyn DeSloover, Delbert Pavlovec, Eric Zafft and Scott Zafft serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jamie and Jill DeSloover, Dennis Pavlovec, Sarah and Vayda Robinson, Cydney Holschlag and the Turkey Valley Class of 1974.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma where there will be a 7:00 p.m. Parish Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the Church.

Funeral luncheon will be held at the Waucoma Event Center following the interment on Friday.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Waucoma have been entrusted with Rodney’s arrangements.

Rodney was born on July 23, 1956, in New Hampton, Iowa, the son of Frank and Arlene (Bouska) Vrzak. He was the sixth of ten children born to Frank and Arlene, and growing up in the bustling Vrzak household meant there was never a shortage of laughter, hard work, or someone to play ball with. With ten kids, the Vrzaks could practically field their own team, and many of Rodney’s fondest childhood memories were made in the company of his brothers and sisters.

A true farm kid at heart, farming was woven into the fabric of Rodney’s life from an early age. He began helping his father on the family farm as a young boy and worked alongside his brother, Dick, for many years. He graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1974 and devoted his life to the land he loved so dearly. After the passing of his father, Rodney and Dick continued the family farming operation together until retirement. The farm was not just where Rodney worked—it was where he felt most at home.

In his thirties, Rodney survived a near-fatal farm accident when he was run over by a trailer. By all accounts, it was a miracle that he survived. But God knew it was not yet his time, and Rodney still had much more to give to his family, friends, and community.

Rodney was a man who always sought the betterment of his community. If there was a fundraiser or benefit being held for a worthy cause, chances were you would find him there, lending a helping hand. He believed in supporting others and quietly gave of himself whenever there was a need.

He was a vital and dedicated supporter of the Chickasaw Wellness Complex, generously donating not only financially but also with his time and presence. The wellness center became a second home to Rodney, and it was rare for a day to pass without him stopping in.

Rodney was also an avid sports fan and took great pride in supporting local athletics, especially his beloved Turkey Valley Trojans. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or softball, he could often be found in the stands cheering on the hometown team.

His commitment to his community also led him to serve several years on the Jackson Junction City Council. He took pride in helping make his hometown a better place and valued the relationships he built through his service.

Rodney enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and was a familiar face at many local establishments, including Klunder’s Kafe and Hole In The Wall, where he could often be found sharing stories, visiting with friends, and enjoying good company.

More than anything, Rodney will be remembered for his generous heart, his unwavering work ethic, his love of farming, and his deep devotion to his family, friends, and community. He lived a life of service, humility, and kindness, leaving an imprint on countless lives throughout Chickasaw County and beyond.

Rodney is survived by his siblings, Phyllis (Tracy Butikofer) Fosaaen of West Union, Doris (Gary) Wood of Waverly, Diane (Mark) Tieskotter of Lime Springs, Mary (Gary) Cihla of Tripoli, Elizabeth Eskildsen of Georgia, Alice (Jerome) Palas of Cedar Falls, Linda Heiselman of New Hampton and Martin (Sue) Vrzak of Tennessee; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; one brother, Dick Vrzak, brothers-in-law, Duane “Dewey” Heiselman and Irv Fosaaen; and many aunts and uncles.