Obituaries

Elli H. Rodaer

Died April 18, 2015

TRAVERSE CITY – Elli Hertha Rodaer, 99, of Traverse City, passed away April 18, 2015 at home.

Elli was born on Sept. 19, 1915, in Geresheim, Germany, the daughter of Ernest and Rosalie (Meltzer) Spingler.  In 1948, she married Paul Wayne Rodaer in California, who preceded her in death on July 11, 1988.

Elli retired from Union Oil in Los Angeles as the head keypunch operator.  She then worked at LAX International Airport as an interpreter for many years. 

Elli moved to Traverse City, MI in 2003 to be with her daughters, Vonie and Denise, where she resided at Glen Eagle Holiday Retirement Community.  Glen Eagle was her residences for seven years, where she made many close friends and relationships.  For the past three years, Elli lived with her daughter ,Denise, and son-in-law, Jerry, in Long Lake Township area of Traverse City.

Elli loved family and cherished her friends.  She loved to dance and listen to music.  Her favorite color was pink.  Elli had a spirit that shined through to everyone she met.

Elli is survived by her daughters, Vonie Kirkland and her husband, William, Denise Lauzon and her husband, Jerry; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of 39 years, Elli was preceded in death by her siblings, Ted, Edmund, Eugene, Gotthart, and Gerda Spingler.

Private family visitation was held on April 19, 2015 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Burial followed at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.  Rev. William Kirkland officiated.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 4020 Copper View, Suite 113, Traverse City, MI 49684-7041.

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