William (Bill) Louis Rodewald, age 76, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
William was born April 15, 1947, in Manitowoc, son of the late Clarence and Caroline (Hardrath) Rodewald. Bill was a graduate of Lincoln High School in 1965 and served with the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970, when he was honorably discharged. On March 15, 1980, Bill married Margaret Ording.
Bill was a truck driver for many years, driving for Dick Brothers Bakery, Richter Vinegar, and Jagemann Plating until his retirement. Bill also worked as a courier for First Chrysler after his retirement. He had a love for trains and could often be found watching TV shows about trains or showing his train collection to his grandkids. He also enjoyed hanging out and chatting with his “early morning crew”. He was also a huge fan of NASCAR and loved watching his son, Travis, race his stock car at WIR or wherever his races were.
Bill is survived by his wife of 43 years, Margaret; five children: Tami (Randy) Womack of Appomattox, VA, Travis (Cassie) Rodewald, Joshua (Kristine) Rodewald, Jennifer (Michael) Johnson, and Tyler (Amanda) Rodewald, all of Manitowoc; three grandchildren: Kiersten Rodewald, Nicole Moreau, and Gus Rodewald; seven step-grandchildren: Clint (Maddie) Womack, Collins (Kiersten) Womack, Caden (Haley) Womack, Clay Womack, Chance (Katelyn) Womack, Carson Womack, and Carter Womack; and two step-great-granddaughters: Evie Womack and Ariya Womack. He is further survived by his mother-in-law: Adelaide Ording; three siblings and their spouses: Betty (Charles) Schneider, Sharon (Dan) Glaeser, and Dennis (Chris) Rodewald; brothers-in-law, and a sister-in-law and their spouses: Peter (Grace) Ording, John (Nancy) Ording, Mark (Verla) Ording, and Susan (Jim) Tretow. Nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends also survive. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, John Ording, and a son, Bradley Rodewald.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, 2426 N. Rapids Road, Manitowoc. Rev. David Laabs will officiate with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Jens location is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
