July 14, 1942 — February 18, 2026
Jean Elizabeth (Brass) Rood, 83, of Mason City, Iowa, was welcomed home on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center, surrounded by the love of her family.
Jean was born July 14, 1942, in Iowa Falls, Iowa, to John and Elizabeth Brass. She attended Dumont High School, graduating in 1960, where she was active in sports, a passion that remained with her throughout her life and one she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren.
On January 29, 1972, Jean was united in marriage to Jerrold LeRoy Rood. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.
Jean was known for her tireless work ethic, resiliency, and deep devotion to providing for her family. Over the years, she held many positions, often working multiple jobs at once, including realtor, bank teller, food service employee for the Mason City School District, Hy-Vee bakery associate, receptionist at AG Edwards, paper carrier, factory worker, and proudly, for more than two decades, manager of the Hickory Farms kiosk at Southbridge Mall during the Christmas season. She took pride in every role she held and in every person she served.
A faithful and devoted parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church for many decades, Jean lived her faith quietly but powerfully through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for others.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was their most faithful supporter, especially when it came to athletics. A devoted fan of the Mohawk and Riverhawk sports programs, Jean could be found at nearly any local sporting event, especially when her children or grandchildren were playing or coaching. Nothing brought Jean more joy than cheering from the stands with her proud and infectious smile. Many would say she was one of Mason City’s most loyal sports fans.
Jean will be remembered for her warm smile, her genuine compassion, and her steadfast love. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she cherished so deeply.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Janet Bombella (Stuart) of Sedalia, MO, son, Troy Rood (Kirstin) of Mason City, daughter, Debbie Albrecht (Mike) of Mason City, and Lynn Borchardt (son-in-law) of Mason City. Jean loved and cherished her grandchildren including Britney Roe (Mitch), Tyler Borchardt (Hannah), Logan Borchardt (Olivia), Jake Rood (Taylor), Ali Rood (Lance), TJ Albrecht, and one great grandchild, Townes Borchardt. Jean has seven surviving siblings including Anthony Brass (LaVina), Mike Brass (Mickey), Marge Steines (Frank), Don Brass (Opal), Cindy Meyer, Patty Brass, Ron (Dale) Nelson, and many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Jerrold Rood; parents, John Brass and Elizabeth Nelson; step-father, Harold Nelson; brother, Richard Brass; father-in-law, Wilbur Rood; mother-in-law, Hilda Rood; as well as cherished brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Jean’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Fr. Ben Valentine officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, with a luncheon in the Holy Family Church Hall immediately afterward. All are welcome to gather to celebrate and share in Jean’s legacy.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Major Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City, with a Rosary and Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Memorials may be directed to the Family of Jean Rood.
majorericksonfuneralhome.com