RODNEY MAURICE HAYES “Hot Rod” was born prematurely at Oakland Memorial Hospital to Maurice  and Ruby (Tranmer) Hayes on January 11, 1950, spending several months in Children’s Hospital.  Rodney passed away June 14, 2009, at Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 59 years.

Rod attended School District #51 until 3rd or 4th grade then Tekamah-Herman Schools graduating in 1969.  Growing up in the Bertha area he played basketball for the Bertha Bombers in the old Bertha Hall with neighborhood kids. 

Rod worked for the Tekamah Coop for many years.  More recently, he worked for area farmers and stayed busy mowing lawns.

Rod’s lifetime love of the outdoors, animals, especially horses and rodeos was shown in his 40-plus years as a member of the Tri-County Saddle Club.  Rod was a Charter member of the F.O.E. #4011. 

Rod truly loved the town of Tekamah, enjoying many friends and knowing what everyone was “up to”.  Rod had an infectious laugh and livened up many family functions! 

He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice; brothers-in-laws, Harvey Barger and Ron Havelka.

Survivors include mother, Ruby Hayes of Tekamah; sisters, Carol Barger of Tekamah, Beth Havelka of Malmo, Nebraska; nieces, Cassie Havelka of Malmo, Karolyn (Larry) McElroy of Lyons, Nebraska, Robin (Steve) Cass, Lynn (Duane) Magill, Tami Miller all of Tekamah; great nieces, Sammy Miller, Amanda (Jake) Aronson also of Tekamah;  great nephews, Josh McElroy (fianceé Maggie Halloway) of Blair,  Jarrod McElroy (fianceé Brandy Denton) of Lyons, Darl (Sarah) Beck of Tekamah; many other relatives and friends. 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Tekamah.

VISITATION: Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 4 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 - 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation Wednesday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur, Nebraska.

MEMORIALS: To the Family

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

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