He was born on July 27, 1931, in Charlotte, Iowa, to George C Schroeder and Clara A. Stenzel Schroeder.
Rodney graduated from Clinton High School and The University of Iowa Colleges of Liberal Arts and Law.
He practiced law in Clinton; served as Assistant County Attorney and on the Clinton County Crime Commission; taught criminal law at Clinton Community College; and was a past president of the Clinton County Bar Association.
Rodney was Involved with several businesses in Clinton, limousine manufacturer Armbruster/Stageway of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and Compliment Vans of Camanche, Iowa.
Rodney married Jo Ellyn “Chick” Gajdostik in 1983 who survives him in Sarasota, Florida.
He is also survived by a daughter, Shawn Layne of Bradenton, Florida; a son, Justin of Thompsonville, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Wesley, Orlin and Gordon of Clinton, Iowa, and Clifton of Loveland Colorado; sisters, Arlene (James) Schmidt and Carole (Robert) Lueders of Clinton, Iowa.