Arden Daniel Rix

Arden Daniel Rix, 94, of Grimes, Iowa passed away on April 16th, 2025 at the Kennybrook Village in Grimes.

Arden was born on June 23rd, 1930, the son of Howard James and Hazel Margaret (Murphy) Rix in Albion Township, Howard County, Iowa. He was raised on a farm in Northeast Iowa, graduating from Crestwood High School in Lime Springs in 1948. After graduation, he planned to take over the family farm. During high school, he had met the love of his life, Freda Mina Timm and the two were united in marriage on November 1st, 1952 in Chester, Iowa. When they returned from the honeymoon, there was Arden’s draft notice, and he was sent to serve in the Korean War. After his service to the United States, he returned to Iowa but his ill father had lost the farm while he was away, so he used the GI Bill to attend the University of Northern Iowa. During this time he started a family, worked full time at Rath meat packing plant, while also attending classes, and eventually graduating in 1960 with a bachelor's degree.

After graduation Arden went to work as a Claims Adjuster Auto for State Farm, and retired in 1992 after a 32 year career. During this time he and Freda raised 7 kids.

Arden was a devout Christian, attending St John’s Catholic Church in Adel where he was a regular lecturer. Both he and Freda loved their respective churches, and so they decided Arden would raise their sons in the Catholic Church, and Freda would raise their daughters in the Lutheran church. Through the final years, Arden became very close to Freda’s pastor and church as well. He loved playing cards and this was evident with his involvement in the 500 Club, JOY’s (Just Older Youth) Club and his daily cribbage games with Freda. But his favorite pastime was undoubtedly spending time with family.

Arden loved taking family vacations! Every year he and Freda would load up the 7 kids into the family station wagon, pulling a pop-up camper all around the states. Then later, as his kids went out on their own and moved to the 4 corners of the US. Arden and Freda were constantly on the road. He made sure he and Freda were present as their family continued to grow, with 25 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. This included even taking a trip to Europe to spend time with his son’s family that were stationed there.

Arden was known for his quick wit, and ability to tell a story that would have everyone in the room laughing and crying. He loved to tell stories about his childhood with no electricity, no running water, using horses for transportation and all the profound changes that had happened over his lifetime. But his favorite stories were always about family and friends. He was also known for his stellar ability to quickly make a friend anywhere, any time.

Arden is preceded in death by his parents and brother Merlin Rix.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife: Freda Rix; children: Rhonda (Dave) Pasutti, Dan (Nazee) Rix, Patti (David) Delger, Brian (Beth) Rix, Karen (Joe) Ghormley, Todd (Gail) Rix, and Traci (Jon) Fredricks; grandchildren: April (Ryan), Jenny (Nate), Bill (Lauren), Kayla (Matt), Tyler, David (Alex), Matt (Lindsay), Stephen (Melissa), Joshua (Crystal), Katie (Kris), Michael, Joe (Melissa), Nick (Shandie), Emily, Amber, Bethany (Anton), Alexandria (Kyle), Austin (Allison), Mark (Taylor), Jacob, William, Mary Karen, Hudson, Maggie (John), and Charlie (Maddie); 27 great grandchildren; brother: Don (Yvonne) Rix; as well as many more nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church in Adel, Iowa at 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a private interment to follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. A luncheon will be held at Faith Lutheran Church and all who attend are invited to stay at the luncheon and wait for the family to return to share memories and stories of Arden’s legacy. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Faith Lutheran Church of Adel or Mainstream Living Knapp House. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com