Former Rochester resident, Roy D. Rodewald, 93, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 10:18 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026 at his residence in Russellville, Kentucky.
On March 30, 1932, Roy Donald Rodewald was born in Tucumcari, New Mexico to Otto and Monetta Baggett Rodewald. Growing up, he shared his childhood with two sisters and two brothers. Roy graduated from Logan High School in Logan, New Mexico with the class of 1950. Answering the call of patriotism, Roy served with the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. Roy's service stints included North Africa, Cuba's Guantanamo Bay, Newfoundland and Rhode Island. As a member of the construction battalion the Navy Seabees, Roy specialized with the elite force of the U.S. Navy that built and defended vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and airfields, during wartime, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian efforts. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
Roy and Donna Rice were married on April 14, 1951, in Roy, NM. She preceded him death in November 1952.
On June 20, 1959, Roy and Erma Helene Zartman were married in Plymouth. They have shared 66 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two wonderful children, a daughter, Teresa and a son Rob. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
As an electrician, Roy worked at Delco Electronics Corporation in the General Motors Division of Kokomo. He was a member of the UAW 292. Roy also attended the Nazarene Church of Rochester. During their Indiana years Roy and Erma enjoyed bicycling around town and walking. At home they annually planted a large garden; each fall enjoying the bountiful harvest.
Left to cherish Roy's memory, are his wife Erma, at home; a daughter, Teresa Oliver (Jay) of Adairville, KY; son, Rob Rodewald (Fredda) of Bourbonnais, IL; seven grandchildren: Joseph Luera, Kayleigh Rodewald, Amanda Traynere (David), Hannah Groves (John), Daniel Oliver, Gideon Oliver, Noah Oliver; four great-grandchildren: Mirabelle Groves, Elias Traynere, Violet Groves, Wilhelmina Groves; sister, Wanda Campbell of Fulton, MS; brother, Jack Rodewald of Billerica, MA; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Roy in death were his parents; daughter, Belinda Trujillo; sister Betty James; and brother James Rodewald.
A celebration of the life of Roy Donald Rodewald will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Jesse Spencer will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Citizens Cemetery.
Military graveside honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veteran’s Honor Guard and the US Navy Honors Team.
