Richard “Rich” Rodewald
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On January 9, 2019 @ 11:53 am In 2019,Obituaries | 16 Comments
Richard “Rich” Rodewald, of Prior Lake, passed away January 8, 2019 at the age of 71. A Celebration of Life Service is Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 1:00 PM with visitation two-hours prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake. Rich will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Cemetery, and Mike Korzan & Dick Prokupek will act as urn bearers.
On October 29, 1947, Richard Edward Rodewald was born to Ray & Carol Rodewald. Rich was the oldest of six children and loved growing up with his siblings, Wes, Alan, Daniel, Susan & Sally. Rich’s fondest memories as a boy were the summers he spent with his grandparents on the family farm in Atwater.
When Rich was in high school, his family left Bloomington and moved to Prior Lake. Rich never really liked school. He always felt his time was better spent restoring old cars. After high school, Rich went to a technical school where he studied auto mechanics. Throughout the rest of his life, Rich worked in the automotive industry. He even had a shop at his house called “Rich’s Autobody.”
As a teenager, Rich met the love of his life, Kathy Gammon. Rich & Kathy were married on February 3, 1968, and their marriage was blessed with two sons, Todd & Scott. As a family, they enjoyed hanging out at Elko Speedway and Raceway Park. Rich was a fierce competitor and even won a few championships over the years.
Rich was a huge car enthusiast. He loved hotrods, was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and was a member of the Minnesota Street Rod Association. Rich loved old cars, and he always restoring a vintage Chevy. He also loved cheering on the MN Twins, training his German Shepherds and going to the State Fair.
Although he had many interests, family was the most important thing in Rich’s life. He was the rock for his siblings. Rich was also a wonderful husband and dad, but he especially loved being a grandpa. He never missed a ball game and cherished all the time he spent with his grandkids.
Only two months after being diagnosed with stage four, small-cell lung cancer, Rich passed away with his family by his side. Throughout his illness, Rich always said he just wanted to be home with his family, his cars and his dog. He will be remembered always as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother & friend.
Rich is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathy Rodewald; sons, Todd Rodewald and Scott (Bobbi) Rodewald; grandkids, Tyler Rodewald, Erin Logeais & Alex Logeais; great-grandson, Xavior Logeais; siblings, Wes (Laura) Rodewald, Alan Rodewald, Daniel (Vicki) Rodewald, Susan (Dave) McIntosh & Sally Rodewald; his beloved German Shepherd, Luther; other loving relatives & many dear friends. Rich is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kayla Logeais and parents, Ray & Carol Rodewald.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Rodewald family. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
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So very sorry for your loss
Brother Rich was the nicest brother in law anyone could ask for. Always had time to talk and had a big heart. He will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew him. R.I.P. Rich.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Prayers to the family, so sorry for your loss.
We are SO sad for your loss.
Rich was a wonderful guy!
Love and prayers to his family.
I was deeply saddened by the news of Rich passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.
So sorry bob your loss I worked with Rich at Northstar he was a great man
So sorry for your loss. Rich was a great guy and he will be missed. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss.. know that my heart and prayers are with all of you this time. Love you❤️
So sorry to hear about Rich’s Passing. Kathy, Scott and Todd, you are in my thoughts and prayers, he will be deeply missed!
Sorry for your loss I worked with Rich at Northstar he was one of the best
Kathy & Boy’s, I met Rich the 1st week that he moved to Prior Lake. I remember it, like it was yesterday. I spent as much time at the Rodewald’s house as I did at my own. Hanging out with Al & his brothers. Rich & Kathy got their 1st dog (Cindy) from a litter of pups that we had on the farm. He would always say how he loved that dog. Rich was a very good friend, always there to talk to, and he made sure that you knew he cared about you. He was a car guy & it was a lot of fun to sit & visit with him. He liked to talk about what it use to be like in Cedit River & Prior Lake when he 1st moved out here from Bloomington. He will be missed but never forgotten. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Tom, Mary & Rachel Haugh
Much love and comfort sent to the Rodewald family. A big brother is such a huge part of the family hierarchy. My heart hurts for the Rodewald family and I am very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is never an easy thing to go through. Sending our condolences and love.
Love you Dad! I miss you dearly!
Love your baby boy
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Our deepest condolences to the family. I hope that in time the precious memories you’ve shared with Rich will help ease your pain as you remember the good times spent together. May our Heavenly Father hear the prayers of your heart and comfort you. Romans 8:26; 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. Our loving thoughts and prayers. Richard will be dearly missed.