Celia Marie Rodine

January 12, 1946 — May 16, 2026

Celia Rodine

Service Details

Celia Rodine
of Urbandale, Iowa

The world became a sadder place, but heaven rejoiced when Celia Rodine, 80, joined her heavenly family and friends on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Like the beautiful flowers she nurtured in her garden through the years, Celia always lived her life in full bloom, beautiful and vibrant.

Celia was one of those women who looked beautifully polished and properly accessorized in whatever scenario you found her. Her best accessory, however, was her beautiful smile. She was caring and welcoming to everyone, and she had many people, across many walks of life, who counted her as their substitute family or closest friend. She was loved by everyone who knew her.

Born on January 12, 1946, Celia and her sister Lynda, grew up in Des Moines as the Sassatelli sisters, the daughters of Emil and Alda. Celia was a 1964 graduate of North High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Linn Rodine, and they lovingly welcomed daughter Michelle and son Matthew to their family.

Celia was widowed in 1980, and became a single mom to her children. To support her family, she entered the world of advertising and media, where she became an account executive for James O’Malley Boyt and Company, followed by being a dynamic account executive for radio stations KLYF; KIOA and Q-102, ultimately becoming national sales manager for Des Moines Radio Group. She was a well-respected and beloved member of the media community for over 30 years.

Upon retirement, Celia and her life partner of 22 years, Dean Fisher, became Florida snowbirds, where they enjoyed golfing, socializing with friends, and escaping Iowa winters. Celia was athletic, and also enjoyed playing racquet ball, bike riding with friends, and bowling. Celia also loved going to the Iowa State Fair and sharing food from many food booths; hosting her family for their annual cookie decorating party; playing volleyball, swimming and watching fireworks at her 4th of July parties; gardening; and eating a good meatloaf sandwich. Friends described Celia as determined, hardworking, smart, fun and funny; caring, supportive, compassionate, nurturing and kind. She was a rare and special friend to many. She took people in and made them her family, and she will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone.

Celia is survived by her life partner of 22 years, Dean Fisher; her daughter and future son-in-law, Michelle Rodine-Sheets and Bryce Rugg; her son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jen (Frueh) Rodine; and daughter and son-in-love Lisa (Frueh) Proctor (Bill); her grandchildren Maddy Hyland-Sheets (Nick) of Chicago, Illinois; Sam Sheets; Mason, Colin and Ethan Rodine; Jeran Proctor of Kokomo, Indiana; Brees, and Taylen Proctor; sister Lynda (Jim) Bradley of Fort Wayne Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Linn Rodine, parents Emil and Alda Sassatelli and in-laws, Edwin and Maxine Rodine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N, Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton's Near Highland Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.

A private Graveside Services and burial will be held at the Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com