Aug. 26, 1982- Nov. 29, 2025
Rodney Alan Chaloupka passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 29 in Cistern at the age of 43, surrounded by family who loved him dearly.
Born on Aug. 26, 1982 and raised in Schulenburg, Rodney was the beloved son of Patrick and Karen Chaloupka. He grew up in a close-knit family with his two younger sisters, Tracy and Kelly, and later made his home in Cistern with his wife, Lydea, and daughter, Claire.
For 20 years, Rodney worked as a maintenance technician at Lauren Concrete. He was deeply dedicated to his work and held a profound respect and affection for the company and his coworkers. The bonds he formed there, especially with John Ray Jr. and many others, were incredibly special to him and certainly felt more like family than colleagues.
Rodney had a generous and caring nature and was always ready to lend a hand. Whether it was fixing a car problem, switching a light bulb, building a shed or putting in flooring, Rodney was the one people called – and he always showed up with a smile. He was the kindest, most gracious and patient man, giving and giving without ever expecting anything in return .
Rodney was, above all, a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his loving wife, Lydea Chaloupka, and their daughter, Claire Chaloupka. He is also lovingly remembered as the father of Leighton Chaloupka, who passed away before birth and whom he now holds in heaven. His greatest joy was his family, and everything he did was with them in mind.
He is also survived by his parents Patrick and Karen Chaloupka, his sisters Tracy Booker and husband Josh and Kelly Jeffers and husband Kirk along with nieces and nephews Jenson and Kelsea Booker and Hayden, Kaleb and Hattie Jeffers, who will forever cherish his love and laughter.
Other survivors include grandmothers Dorothy Henneke and Bessie Dornak, mother-in-law and father-in-law Janie Delgado and Teofilo Sanchez, brother-in-law Arty Hernandez and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Leighton Chaloupka and grandfathers Richard Henneke and Phillip Chaloupka.
Rodney’s life was a testament to generosity, deep love and humble strength. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love by his family, friends, coworkers and all who were blessed to know him.
The parish rosary was recited on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. John, with a reception following at St. John Church Hall. Burial took place in the St. John Catholic Cemetery.