Rodney Bell

Rodney (Pete) Bell was born in Denison, Iowa, June 17, 1948, the son of William and Lois North Bell. He was raised at Vail, Iowa, and graduated from the Ar-We-Va High School in Westside in 1966 with a football scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa. On July 22, 1966, Pete was united in marriage with Linda Lea Thomsen in Denison, Iowa. Their union was blessed with five children: Angela, Wendy, Jennifer, Emily and Rodney II. They made their home in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Pete played football for UNI for one semester before returning to Denison, Iowa, where he was employed at IBP. The Bell’s then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where Pete attended an Automotive College and, after his schooling, they resided in Bellevue, Nebraska where he managed a service station. When Angela turned five years of age they returned to Vail, Iowa, where they raised their family and Pete was engaged in farming. Linda died August 16, 2001, and following her death, in conjunction with farming, Pete opened Pete’s Gun Shop in Vail, Iowa. Early in 2011 he semi retired from farming and put more focus on operating the gun shop. In his spare time he enjoyed horses, gardening, spending time with his grandchildren and traveling, usually to gun shows. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July and he took great delight in putting on a large fireworks show each year for family and friends. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Vail; Diamond Lodge No. 442, A.F.& A.M., Vail, Iowa; a lifetime member of the NRA; supporter and member of all wildlife organizations; an organizer of the annual Vail Gun Show sponsored by the Masonic Lodge for scholarships; and served on the committee that was instrumental in keeping the Vail swimming pool open. Pete died at his home Wednesday, June 1, 2011. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 62 years, 11 months and 14 days. He was preceded in death by his father, William Bell and step-father, Harold Eggers. Those remaining to cherish Pete’s memory include his special friend: Mary Brock of Vail, Iowa; four daughters and their spouses: Angela and Dave Wittrock of Arcadia, Iowa; Wendy and Scott Wyckoff of Ames, Iowa; Jennifer and Craig Bockholt of Yankton, South Dakota; and Emily and Tammy Crouch of Sioux City, Iowa; one son: Rodney Bell II of West Des Moines, Iowa; 11 grandchildren: Samantha, Ethan, Jordan, and Noah Wittrock; Lindsey, Lacey and Lyra Wyckoff; Hailey and Hannah Bockholt; Tanner and Lee Rodney Crouch; his mother, Lois Bell of Vail, Iowa; three siblings and spouses: Howard and Alice Bell of Oswego, Kansas; Linda and Michael Massman of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and Jay and Jane Bell of Arion, Iowa; mother-in-law: Berniece Thomsen of Vail, Iowa; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 4, 2011, at the United Presbyterian Church, Vail, Iowa, with Rev. Richard Francis officiating. Vocal recordings for the service included “When I Get Where I’m Going” by Brad Paisley and “Happy Trails” by Gene Autry. Jean Ang served as organist. Honorary Pallbearers included Pat McCaffery, Vic Thomsen and Kenny Kock. Those serving as Pallbearers were Randy Lilleholm, Russ Hawley, Dick Streck, Michael Massman, Eric Kelly and Rodney Bell II. Interment was at the Vail Cemetery, Vail, Iowa. Following the interment the family invited everyone to join them at the Vail Community Building for fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the Vail United Presbyterian Women. An invitation was also extended to attend a Celebration of Life at Homer’s in Vail at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2011. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements where a Masonic Service conducted Ronald Frahm and the Diamond Lodge No. 422, A. F. & A. M., Vail, Iowa, was held at 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 3, 2011.