Rodney L. (Rod) Chinn

Rodney L. Chinn, age 78, died peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at his home in Columbus surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025, at St. Isidore Catholic Church. There will be a 4:00 p.m. vigil service Wednesday followed by visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. all at the church. Following the Mass, Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard. A luncheon will immediately follow at the parish hall.

Rodney L. Chinn was born January 19, 1947, to Leonard K. and Irene M. (Thurstonson) Chinn in Idaho Falls, Idaho. During the Korean War, Leonard become MIA, a POW and later died in a North Korean prison concentration camp. Irene and her two sons, Rod and Randy, relocated to Silver Creek, Nebraska to be closer to her family. Rod attended and graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1965. After graduating, he entered the US Army in April of 1966. He was a member of the 35th Artillery Group stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. Rod was honorably discharged in April of 1968. Following his discharge, he began working at Dale Electronics, a career where he served for 38 years until his retirement. On March 27, 1982, Rod was united in marriage to Helena (Liss) Hansen in Columbus and happily inherited her two children Lori and Steve. Rod was a proud 57-year member of the Silver Creek American Legion Post #263 and carried with him a deep respect for all fellow servicemen. He loved hunting, fishing, was an avid bowler for many years and couldn't resist a good joke or prank. He was a faithful Husker fan and keno junky. Rod also enjoyed watching old westerns, was a sports fanatic and took pride in keeping a well-groomed lawn.

In retirement, Rod enjoyed driving for Gene Steffy Ford. He loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Helena; step-daughter Lori (Paul) Bartels and step-granddaughter Shea of Merritt Island, FL.; step-son Steve (Kim) Hansen and step-grandchildren Hunter, Riley and Deagan of Bethany, MO; one step-great grandson Kaid; brother Randy (Gay) Chinn of Columbus; two step-brothers Larry (Melody) Frizzell of Hot Sulfur Springs, Co. and Bruce (Karen) Frizzell of Silver Creek; brother-in-law Robert (Peggy) Liss of Aurora, CO.; sisters-in-law Jan Liss of Columbus and Patricia Liss of Fullerton; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Floyd Frizzell; step-sister-in-law Carol Frizzell; brothers-in-law Ben Liss, Edward Liss; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary and Jim Kosek. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.

McKown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements