In Memory of Deanna J. Roeder

Deanna J. Roeder, age 81, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on April 29, 2025, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital of Denison, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Father Richard D. Ball will officiate. Committal will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Deanna Jean Roeder, the daughter of Donal and Shirley (Rodal) Sennett, was born on March 15, 1944, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She received her education from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs graduating with the class of 1962. Upon graduation, Deanna entered the workforce as an office assistant.

On April 16, 1966, Deanna was united in marriage to Dennis R. Roeder in Council Bluffs. The couple lived in Council Bluffs for 10 years before moving back to the Roeder family farm near Arthur, Iowa. Deanna and Dennis were blessed with three children: Dan, Darrin, and Danae. While their children were young, Deanna enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and helping out on the farm. Later on in life, Deanna began working at the Byron Originals Chalet and Hangar. She really enjoyed 18 years of working for the Godbersens and they became like a second family to her.

Known for being an exceptional cook, Deanna seldom used recipes. She would add a pinch of this or a little of that and make everything taste amazing. Her family used to joke that no one could ever replicate grandma’s recipes because she always added her special touch of love to whatever she made. Deanna treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A favorite tradition of theirs was decorating Christmas cookies together. Her grandchildren had many favorite dishes that grandma made but one in particular was her homemade mac and cheese.  

Deanna was gifted with a green thumb. She could grow anything (inside or outside) and make them look wonderful. She told her family it was because she talked to her plants showing them love. Deanna also enjoyed playing cards and visiting with her friends. She loved watching game shows including her favorites Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. One to help out whenever needed, Deanna used to volunteer at the Arthur Community Building, was active in the Ladies Aid Society at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, and the Horn Memorial Hospital gift shop. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 59 years, Dennis Roeder of Ida Grove, IA; son Dan (Fina) Roeder of Ida Grove, IA; daughter Danae (Chad) Petersen of Schleswig, IA; grandchildren Jake (Jackie) Roeder, Bailey (fiancé Dalton Hemer) Roeder, Chase Roeder, Shelbi (Grayson) Kielhold, Tyler Roeder, Tia (fiancé Grant Kenkel) Petersen, Tessa Petersen, and Tanna Petersen; great-grandchildren Lucas, Joseph, and Marie Roeder, Audrey and William Kielhold, Henry Hemer, and one Roeder boy on the way; brother DeWayne Sennett of Redmond, WA; daughter-in-law Lori Roeder of Sioux City, IA; extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Donal and Shirley Sennett; daughter Danelle Roeder (in infancy); son Darrin Roeder; sisters-in-law Judy Sennett and Marilyn Roeder.