NEODESHA — Rodney Manuel Schlegel, 68, of Neodesha, Kan., passed away on Tuesday March 8, 2022, at St. John’s Medical Center in Tulsa, Okla. peacefully with family by his side. 

Rodney was born on June 20, 1953, to Manuel and Wanda (Adams) Schlegel in Great Bend, Kan. where he and his family resided until moving to Independence, Kan. at 10 years old. On July 1, 1972, he married Darlene Joyce (Grady) Schlegel in Independence, Kan. Rodney and Darlene went on to have two children, Rodney Manuel Schlegel II and Dejay Lynn Schlegel. They made their home in Neodesha, Kan. for approximately 47 years. 

Rodney started his concrete career in Wichita, Kan. He later moved back to southeast Kansas and continued working in the same field. In the mid 1980’s Rodney, along with his wife, Darlene started their business R&S Construction. He started with a pick, shovel, and wheel barrel. After years of hard work and commitment, they grew the business and expanded. If Rodney wasn’t working hard, he was playing even harder. Some of his favorite hobbies included: dune buggies, paint balling, boating, fishing, and attending the annual World of Concrete Convention in Las Vegas. He had great bargaining skills and enjoyed shopping at The Home Depot, Lowes, and local auctions. 

Rodney was preceded in death by his father, Manuel C. Schlegel; his mother, Wanda J. (Adams) Schlegel; and sister, Loretta LaForte. He is survived by his wife of the home, Darlene J. Schlegel; sons, Rodney Manuel Schlegel II and wife, Erica L. Schlegel and Dejay L. Schlegel; sisters, Linda (Steve) Hadley, Nancy (Vincent) Thompson, Norma (Mike) Hamel, Carolyn (Norman) Garmen; grandkids, Eian Eytcheson, Trinity Schlegel, Dejay Schlegel and Elliot Schlegel. 

Please join us for a celebration of life service for Rodney Schlegel on Saturday April 2, 2022 from 11-1 at the Independence Civic Center. Friends and family are invited to share your memories and celebrate the life of a great man. Feel free to drop in or stay a while. We will have light food and beverages available. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit, www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Loran Fawcett Chapel

704 Indiana

Neodesha, KS 66757

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 18, 2022