Dale Rodewald, age 82, of Greenfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at Community Hospital South, despite the extraordinary efforts of genuinely dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff caregivers.
Born on April 16, 1929 to Julia (McInerney) and Carl Herman Rodewald in Indianapolis, he graduated from Warren Central High School in 1947. Known as a talented athlete and fun-loving rascal with a radiant smile, he captured the heart of his beloved Beverly Joan Dorrel, and they were married on Oct. 7, 1948, sharing a life journey of 62 years. A dedicated, hard-working family man with many life-long treasured friends, he loved the outdoors, particularly when it involved a fishing pole or set of golf clubs. An avid fisherman and passionate, fun golfer, nothing was more enjoyable or important than time spent with his family. In 1956, he started Hoosier Glass Company, Inc., specializing in commercial glass & glazing projects. He worked on projects of all sizes: shower doors, drive-up windows, mirrors, storefronts, parking garages, schools, libraries, dormitories, hotels, office buildings, and Indianapolis landmarks. His expertise in the glazing trade was widely recognized. The company remains a 3rd generation family owned & operated business in Indianapolis.
He also enjoyed numerous hands-on construction endeavors including a lake cottage, his company headquarters, and several personal residence projects over the years. His talented hands also created many special art glass pieces and jewelry for family & friends. His interest in guitar and dulcimer music brought him particular enjoyment. He enjoyed fellowship and friends at the Elk's Lodge in Kissimmee, Fla. During his retirement years, he and other family members have enjoyed "Snowbird" status in the Kissimmee, Fla. area–home away from home with great fishing, golf course "birdies" and buddies- all with beautiful sunshine! The welcome mat was always out for all to visit… and frequently with overflow results! He loved to point out his favorite local fishing holes! Dale will be forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, easy smile and love of family and life, an amazing friend, God's angel on earth.
Surviving are his loving wife, Bev; daughters, Connie Sue D'Angelo of Cumberland, Ind., Dayna Kay (Paul) Lutz of Greenfield; grandchildren, Duane (Crissy) Lutz of Westfield, Ind., Stacie (Steve) Wherry of Greenfield, Adam (Adrienne) D'Angelo of Zionsville, Ind., David (Lindsey) D'Angelo of Indianapolis, and Ashlie (Josh) Worth of Indianapolis; his most precious great-grandchildren, Hana, Ethan, Isaac, Sydnie, Molly and Lexi, who brought him immense joy and pleasure sharing his time and activities. Also surviving him are his brother, Kenneth James Rodewald of Louisville, Ky.; sister, Bonna Rodewald of New Port Richey, Fla.; 100 yr. old great-aunt, Marguerite Amburn of Avon Park, Fla.; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Fern & Edgar Ransom of Indianapolis; sister-in-law, Mirriam Curran of Indianapolis; and brother-in-law & sister-in-law Charles & Joyce Dorrel of Parrish, Fla. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, "grands" , extended family and dear friends are blessed to share many, happy memories and gloriously humorous stories!
Dale was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Ethel; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Opal & Ray Dorrel; beloved daughter, Nancy Lynn; brothers, Jack Rodewald, and Russell Rodewald; sister, Jo Ellen Schakel Denning; great-granddaughter Cialo; and several golfing buddies and close friends.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, and one hour prior to the funeral service at the Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center, Washington Park East, 10722 E. Washington St., Indianapolis. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at the funeral center. Private burial will occur at Washington Park East Cemetery. A fellowship gathering is planned following Celebration of Life, also at the funeral center. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of the following: Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen, 202 E. Main St., Greenfield; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or American Heart Association.
Please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com where you can sign Dale's guestbook, leave a message, or share a personal memory.
