Obituary for Rodney Bruce Leib

Rodney Bruce Leib was born on December 11, 1956, in Guthrie Center, Iowa, to Eugene and Helen Leib. He passed away peacefully at his home in Chariton on September 17, 2026, with his daughter by his side.

Rodney attended Allerton Community School during his elementary years and later graduated from Wayne County School in 1975. He participated in wrestling for several years until he realized he was needed more at home, helping his dad on the farm.

Following graduation, Rodney enlisted in the United States Army in 1975. While serving in the Army, he was a rifleman/grenadier and attained the rank of E-4. He later transferred to the United States Navy, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1981. During his time in the Navy, Rodney worked as an electrical/mechanical equipment repairman aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and attained the rank of E-3. Rodney also served in Panama during his years in the U.S. military.

After returning home, Rodney continued helping on the family farm. He later married, and from that union came three children: Tiffanie, BreeAnn, and Brandon. The marriage later ended in divorce.

Rodney was a welder by trade and worked on railroad cars, bridge beams, heavy equipment, and many other projects. He later remarried, and from that union came his daughter, Lacie, as well as his stepson, Justin. That marriage also ended several years later.

Rod spent much of his career working as a welder for Larson Inc., while also working as a pipe layer. For approximately 10 years, his work took him throughout the Midwest to various job sites. He also worked locally in construction. His final employment was with United Contractors, formerly located in Chariton, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator and welded heavy bridge beams.

Rodney was diagnosed with COPD in 2007, which led to his early retirement from United Contractors.

Farming was Rodney’s passion. Whether he was building fence, running cattle, or baling hay, he was happiest on the farm. He could tell countless farm stories and was always ready to offer advice, along with plenty of tips and tricks learned over the years. When he was no longer able to farm and raise cattle himself, he reluctantly sold out but remained a vital part of the farm.

He spent time keeping his mom company and tending to both his garden and hers. Later in life, Rodney enjoyed tinkering with whatever he could, going to auctions, gardening, and taking goodies and bouquets of flowers from his yard to his mom during her final years.

After Helen’s passing, Rodney’s COPD worsened, and he moved to Chariton to be a little closer to his family. During the final years of his life, Rodney became largely housebound, making many of the everyday things most people take for granted a challenge for him.

Rodney is survived by his children, Tiffanie of Nevada, BreeAnn of Des Moines, and Lacie (Jim) of Hartford; seven grandchildren, Colby, Jacob, and Jameson, children of Lacie; Makayla, Carter, and Gaige, children of BreeAnn; and Alexander, son of Tiffanie. He is also survived by his brother, Rick (Carol) of Ankeny; sisters, Joyce Allard of Russell, Janice Creger of Thailand, and Joanne (Rod) VanDyne of Corydon; brother-in-law, Raymond Jackson; sister-in-law, Darlene Leib; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Helen (Lackey) Leib; his brothers, Russell Leib, Ray Leib, Roger Leib, and Ronnie Leib; his sisters, Judy Adair and Jolene Jackson; brothers-in-law, Calvin Allard, Bill Creger, and Shorty Adair; his only son, Brandon Leib; and his nephew, Jason Jackson.

Rodney will be cremated, and his remains will be laid to rest alongside his son in Carlisle, Iowa, with full military honors. In accordance with Rodney’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or celebration of life. Information regarding the burial and military honors will be shared with immediate family at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made payable to American Legion Post 68, 511 E. Marion St., Corydon, IA 50060, or to his daughter, Lacie Romans.