Darlene H. Rode

Darlene H. Rode, age 87 of Pocahontas, IL, died Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in O'Fallon, IL. She was born on Sunday, April 5, 1936, in Hamel, IL, the daughter of Louis and Malinda (nee Ziegler) Klenke. On Sunday, February 21, 1960, she married Leo F. Rode at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Edwardsville, Illinois, who survives. She was a member of Grantfork United Church of Christ; Grantfork UCC Women's Guild; Hitz Memorial Home Auxiliary. Darlene was born in Hamel Township and attended Quercus Grove and Columbia Schools. She had worked at a grocery store in Hamel, IL. After her marriage she lived in Hamel and in 1962, she and her husband moved to a farm east of Grantfork, IL. As a farm wife and mother, she helped with the milking, drove tractors and the combine, and enjoyed gardening. Mrs. Rode was a member of the Grantfork United Church of Christ and she was also a member of the Madison County Farm Bureau. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and served on the Church Council. She served on the Hitz Memorial Home Auxiliary Board for many years. She enjoys playing the accordion at Hitz Memorial Home, retiring at that at age 80 years old. Survivors include: Husband - Leo F. Rode, Pocahontas, IL Son - Rick L. (Suzanne) Rode, Loudon, TN Son - Alan R. (Tami) Rode, Highland, IL Son - Terry L. (Nicole) Rode, Pocahontas, IL Son - Paul D. (Judi) Rode, Pocahontas, IL Grandchild - Justin (Chelsey) Rode Grandchild - Jordan (Linda) Rode Grandchild - Malinda (Ronald) Russ Grandchild - Amber (Joey) Mettler Grandchild - Devin (Marissa) Rode Grandchild - Casandra (Dustin) Emig Grandchild - Alex Rode Grandchild - Blake Rode Grandchild - Addison Rode Great Grandchild - Kara Littlefield Great Grandchild - Rylan Rode Great Grandchild - Reis Rode Great Grandchild - Levi Rode Great Grandchild - Oliver Rode Great Grandchild - Arlo Rode Great Grandchild - Jaxon Mettler Great Grandchild - Lyle Mettler Great Grandchild - Danielle Rode Great Grandchild - Ryan Rode Great Grandchild - Orville Russ Step Great Grandchild - Veronica Russ Step Great Grandchild - Zaden White Sister-In-Law - Martha Klenke, Alhambra, IL Sister-In-Law - Doris "Dody" Klenke, Granite City, IL. . She was preceded in death by: Father - Louis Wilhelm Klenke Mother - Malinda Katherine (nee Ziegler) Klenke Sister - Louise E. (Norman) Woods Sister - Edna M. (Edmond) Eberhart Brother - Hilbert C. (Verna) Klenke Brother - Wilmer A. Klenke Brother - Edwin L. (Ruth) Klenke Brother - Lester L. Klenke Sister - Gladys L. (Don) Wilkening Sister - Ella L. (Ernest) Ostendorf Brother - Earl R. (Doris) Klenke. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Grantfork United Church of Christ in Grantfork, IL. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Grantfork United Church of Christ in Grantfork, IL, with Rev. Tim A. Darmour-Paul, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Grantfork U.C.C. Cemetery in Grantfork, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Grantfork United Church of Chirst, Hitz Memorial Home, Hospice of Southern Illinois, Shriners Hospitals for Children or donor's choice.

Darlene H. Rode

April 5, 1936 - October 5, 2023