Dr. Rodman R. Goltry, 93, of Huntley, IL, died peacefully July 4, 2025 with his family by his side.
Rodman was born June 13, 1932 in Russell, Iowa, the son of Loren and Margery (Randall) Goltry. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in June 1950. He graduated from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa in 1954 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He then attended the University of Iowa Dental School where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1958. On June 18, 1955 he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Noblett.
Dr. Goltry was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1992. He completed a dental internship with the U.S. Air Force at Lackland AFB in San Antonio and was assigned to the Chateauroux Air Force Base in France as a Captain in the Dental Corp from 1959-1962. He received Outstanding Dental Officer Awards, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and a Meritorious Service Medal. He was active with the Reserve Officers Association of the United States where he served as Illinois Department Surgeon.
Dr. Goltry retired as Chief of the Dental Services at the V.A. Lakeside Medical Center, Chicago, in July 1994 after 27 years of service to the Veterans Administration.
In 1967, after 4 years in private dental practice, Dr. Goltry joined the V.A. He was assigned to V.A. Hospitals in Clarksburg WV, Buffalo NY, and Wilkes-Barre PA, before joining the V.A. Lakeside Medical Center in Chicago IL as Chief of Dental Services in 1974. He completed his Residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1972, his Master of Science in Epidemiology in 1980 from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and was an Assistant Professor at the Northwestern University School of Dentistry in Chicago until his retirement in 1994.
During his career he was a consultant to the DuPage County Health Department, and was a member or fellow in several professional organizations including the American Dental Association. From 1975 to 1994, Dr. Goltry coordinated the Head and Neck Examination for the Health Screening Program sponsored by the ADA during their annual conventions. He completed research projects, published articles, trained many General Practice Residents, Residents in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Hygienists and Assistants, and served on several hospital committees.
After his retirement, he enjoyed travelling through the US and Europe with his wife. He was also an avid collector and enjoyed music and taking walks with his grandsons.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Susan, and their children, Kirk (Tricia) of Round Lake Beach, IL, Dr. Kristin of Gaithersburg, MD, Kevin of Huntley, IL, and Karen Goltry-Vento (Joe) of Yorkville, IL. He has five grandsons, Colin and Cameron Goltry, Alexander (Zoey) and Eric Hearn, Nicholas Vento, and one great-granddaughter, Esme Hearn. Also surviving is his sister Jerrine (Gilbert) Andreini, of Des Moines, IA, sister-in-law Joy Morriss of Kerrville, TX, and many nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Hamilton Funeral Home - 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. A Funeral service will be held 10:00 am on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines with military honors being accorded.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.
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Rodman was such a gentleman, always happy to see you, respectful and kind. He loved his wife and was patient and loving to her. I thank the family for sharing him with us at Silverado. He is a man that will not be forgotten. Activities will not be the same without that smile.