Rory Plough

Rory Ernest Plough was born on April 3, 1961, in Battle Creek, Iowa, to Ernest and Norma (Dean) Plough. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ute. Rory graduated from Charter Oak-Ute High School with the Class of 1979.

After high school, Rory began working at a hog confinement facility in Ute before joining the Dubuque Packing Plant. In 1982, he experienced a life-altering vehicle accident that left him partially disabled. Undeterred, Rory pursued a new path, earning a degree in computer programming from Western Iowa Tech.

On August 30, 1986, Rory married Kim Schultz at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. Together, they built a life filled with love and hard work, raising two children, Travis and Courtney, in Charter Oak. Rory embraced farming, assisting his father-in-law, Earl Schultz, before expanding his operation to include hogs and sheep. The couple also managed rental properties in Charter Oak and cared for St. Paul Cemetery on Rickett’s Highway.

A devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church, Rory found joy in tending his lawn and helping others in his community. Known for tinkering and his resourcefulness, he had a knack for fixing anything, often with duct tape or super glue. Rory enjoyed watching football and wrestling, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and creating cherished memories.

Rory passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, at the age of 63 years, seven months, and 20 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Norma, and his father-in-law, Earl Schultz. Rory is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Kim; their children, Travis and Courtney Plough, both of Charter Oak; siblings: Darla (Gail) Knights of Iowa Falls, Randy (Kelli) Plough of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Rick Plough of Huron, South Dakota, Rusty (Sheri) Plough of Cedar Rapids, Starla (John) Webb of Schleswig, and Karla (Russ) Reed of Mapleton; mother-in-law, Joleen Schultz of Charter Oak; brothers-in-law: Kreg (Julie) Schultz of Johnston and Kyle (Christy) Schultz of Charter Oak; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A private memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, with inurnment at St. John Lutheran Cemetery near Charter Oak. Memorials may be directed to the family.