Rodney (Rod) Eugene Hope, 66, of West Burlington, formerly of New London and Mt. Pleasant, died at 9:28 pm on January 9, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
He was born on November 19, 1959 in Winterset, Iowa to Larry Eugene and Myrna Marie Little Hope. On April 24, 1982 he married Sherry Blow at the Open Bible Church in Mt. Pleasant. Together, they raised two sons.
He was a 1978 graduate of Winterset High School and a 1980 graduate of Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. He began working at the Fareway Grocery in Winterset during high school. In 1981 he moved to New London to work for Continental Telephone Company as an install and repairman. He then worked for Alliant Energy (Iowa Southern Utilities), retiring in 2016 after thirty-two years.
Rod made two meaningful trips to Juarex, Mexico and helped Broken Heart Ministries working on construction projects. He was a member of the 20th Century Car Club in Mt. Pleasant.
Survivors include his wife Sherry; sons Clint (Megan) Hope of West Burlington and Spencer (Katty) Hope of Des Moines; grandchildren Carson, Callie, Corbin, Hayden, Myra, Lainey and Baby Hope on the way; sister Rhonda Shoafstall (Tom Switzer) of Liscomb, Iowa; step-sister Sheryl Moore of Mt. Pleasant; niece Brandi Morris and nephew Brandon Richards; step-nephew Justin McDonald; step-nieces Krista McAllister and Jamie Krogmeier; great-niece Bailee Richards, Mariah Richards and Denim Morris; great-nephew Dayton Morris; many cousins and beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Jim Moore; paternal grandparents Ralph and Gwendolyn Hope; maternal grandparents Charles and Geneva Little; great-nephew Dallon Morris; and his close friend Tom Brown.
According to his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Elliott Chapel, New London and there will be no services. A memorial has been established to be determined later. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
The family would like to thank Amy, Amber and the staff at Southeast Iowa regional Hospice House for their compassionate and meaningful care to Rod during this time.