Emailed Story

August 13, 2025

This morning, I opened my inbox to find the very first email sent to RodneySchmidtLegacy@gmail.com. I asked Wayne if I could share his story, and he kindly said yes.

Wayne, thank you for reaching out and telling me about the time you met Uncle Rod. I truly hope more messages like yours will come in so I can pass them along to everyone. Reading your story this morning filled my heart.

These are Wayne’s words, just as he sent them.

Jenny:

I met Rod through my stepmother, Sarah Strom, who lived in the house on the hill near him outside Garden Grove. Actually my first meeting with him was when Sarah was in her final hours of life. She had cancer and was at a friend’s house in Des Moines who was giving her palliative care. I heard that Sarah was likely on her way out so raced down to Des Moines to see her. To my surprise, there was an unknown neighbor there (Rod) and we hit it off immediately. I loved Rod’s wisdom and humor in such a trying time. He really made a difficult time much easier for me.

Later, I met Rod often when I was visiting my sister, Kibbee, who had moved into the house after Sarah’s passing. He was such a fun, wonderful, and kind person and I believe I am a better person for having known him. My sister told me of your website, and I look forward to reading his writings that you post.

Thanks for keeping his memory alive,
Wayne Strom