Joseph Rodecker
91, of Indianapolis, passed away November 18, 2014. Joe was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey in 1923. He left the area to attend The University of Michigan and, after leaving to serve in the US Navy for two years during World War II, returned to finish his bachelors degree in Engineering. This provided the foundation for his career work in sales in the cutting tool industry.
While at Michigan, Joe met and married Mary Jean Willging..68 years ago. Joe is survived by Mary Jean, their children Carrie Pappas (George) and Bill (Gail), six grandchildren Alex, Joseph, Amy, Patrick, Bradley, Michael, and twelve great grandchildren…..all of whom knew Joe as ‘Poppy’.
Joe loved his parish family at St Pius X Catholic Church and was active in that community since 1956. When not working or raising kids, we could always find Dad on the golf course. He was able to enjoy golf until age 90! During his retirement years, Joe loved to spend time on a family farm, working with equipment and caring for animals. We learned many things from Dad, but above all, we admired his lifelong ability to see the best in everyone, and his ever-present humility.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association.
On Friday November 28 a calling will be at 10:00 am at St Pius X Catholic church followed by a memorial mass at 11:00 am .We would also like to thank the staff at The Hearth at Windermere where Joe spent his last few months and was given excellent care.