Rodney Lee Ballhagen

Rodney Lee Ballhagen, 58, of Allison was born April 29, 1965 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to Jerry and June (Heichel) Ballhagen. Rod took the checkered flag on June 29, 2023. Public visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Counsell Woodley Funeral Home in Allison. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 3, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene, followed by a graveside service at the Allison Cemetery. Rod graduated from New Hartford High School in 1983 and was united in marriage to Carol Jean (Codner) on June 5, 1993 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Two loving sons, Michael Lee and Jerod Lee were born to this union. Outside of family, boating (especially on Clear Lake every Fourth of July) and deer hunting, Rod lived for racing. Racing was his passion. A passion shared by Carol, Michael and Jerod who, as a family, traveled the Midwest and beyond pursuing the next win. Rod would tell you that he didn't race just for the sake of racing, but for the chance to connect with his 'racing family.' Through racing, he taught his sons that hard work and dedication is the only way to perfect your craft. A lesson they took to victory lane on multiple occasions and apply off the track to this day. Rod took pride in and was an integral part of the construction of the half-mile dirt track at the Butler County Fairgrounds. Rod was an active member of the community and could be found with Carol on supper dates, little league games and giving all of his nieces and nephews and others he loved a hard time, especially the ˜ornery” ones. Rod was the most genuine, sincere and kind man to anyone lucky enough to stand inside of his circle. He stood strong in his beliefs and served as a mentor to many including several of his nieces and nephews, who often stated that Uncle Rod would be the first person they would call if they had a need or faced a challenge. Above all, he was a protector. Rod never failed to take care of those he loved. While we know his presence (and shenanigans) will continue through us, Rod will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Rod’s memory lives on through his wife, Carol Ballhagen, sons; Michael (Abby) Ballhagen and Jerod (Brittney) Ballhagen, granddaughters; Amelia Ballhagen and Elsie Ballhagen, father; Jerry Ballhagen, brother; Brent Ballhagen, sister; Mindy (Bron) Umthum, mother-in-law; Dorothy Codner, brothers-in-law; John (Shelly) Codner and Craig (Stephanie) Codner, sister-in-law; Kristie (TJ) Kramer, numerous nieces and nephews, and honorary son Cole Liekweg, as well as the many members of his racing family. He was preceded in death by his mother June and his father-in-law Mike Codner. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ballhagen family.

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Rodney Lee Ballhagen

April 29, 1965 - June 29, 2023