Dr. James M. Rodewald (DVM) , age 72 of rural Frankton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood.  He was born August 19, 1947 in Indianapolis, the son of Kenneth J. and Patricia (Herold) Rodewald.  Jim was a 1965 graduate of Knightstown High School and went on to receive his Doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University.  He married Sandra J. "Sandy" Mackowiak on August 29, 1970, and they shared over 49 years of marriage together.  Jim was the primary doctor and owner of the Elwood Animal Hospital in Elwood until he sold his practice in 2018 and retired.  He truly loved animals and cared for countless families and their pets during his practice.  Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood.  He was also a member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association (A.V.M.A.) and active in the Reamer's Club during his years at Purdue.  He especially enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles, and was an avid fan of all Purdue sports.  Jim was also formerly a miniature train hobbyist, enjoyed fishing, and was an active bowler for many years.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim's family includes his wife of 49 years, Sandy Rodewald of Frankton; 6 children, Kristen (husband David) Butler of Arizona, Craig (wife Amanda) Rodewald of Montgomery, Todd (wife Stacey) Rodewald of Tennessee, Jason Rodewald of Frankton, Andrew (wife Melanie) Rodewald of Arcadia, and Sara Rodewald of Alaska; 6 siblings, Kathy Rodewald of Indianapolis, Matt (wife Kay) Rodewald of Shelbyville, Debbie Rodewald of Washington, Robert Rodewald of Florida, Patsy (husband Steve) Carrow of Wisconsin, and Brenda (husband Dr. Jeff D.V.M.) Hanssen of Greenfield; 9 grandchildren, Aidan Butler, Brennan Butler, Bella Rodewald, Cameron Rodewald, Mia Rodewald, Cadence Rodewald, James Rodewald, Charlie Rodewald and Benjamin Rodewald; and several nieces and nephews.  James was preceded in death by both his parents.

Due to current health precautions and state restrictions on public gatherings, services for Jim will be private.  A funeral mass celebrating Dr. Rodewald's life will be conducted privately with his family at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Father Dan Duff officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elwood.  There will be no public visitation.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the "Rex's Dedication to Education" program in Frankton, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or the Elwood Animal Shelter - all through the funeral home.  The public is encouraged to express condolences and share memories of Jim at copherfeslermay.com on Jim's obituary page.