W. Eric Rodawig

DAKOTA DUNES -- W. Eric Rodawig, 54, of Dakota Dunes died peacefully with his family by his side Saturday, December 10, 2011 at a Sioux City hospital. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sioux City, with the Rev. Torey Lightcap officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com. William Eric Rodawig was born in Sioux City, Iowa on May 16, 1957. He was the first son of William E. Rodawig and Julie Aalfs Rodawig. He attended M.G. Clark Elementary School, Herbert Hoover Junior High, and graduated from North High School in 1975. Growing up, he enjoyed visiting the Iowa Great Lakes and was very close to his two grandfathers, Wilbur Aalfs and Donald F. Rodawig. He graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1979 with a double major in mass communications and psychology. While at USD, he met Sandra Kay Pedersen, whom he married in Sioux Falls on June 20, 1981. He was a devoted husband and enjoyed traveling and cruising throughout the world with his family. He began his career at Household International, where he served as a state governmental relations manager in Montgomery, Ala. and Columbus, Ohio, until his diagnosis with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in 1987. Following this, he was placed on long-term disability with Household, which was later acquired by HSBC, and moved back to Sioux City with his family. He was very proud when his son Eric also began working for HSBC in Washington, D.C. While afflicted with multiple sclerosis, he underwent several experimental treatments in an attempt to advance research efforts to find a cure for the disease for himself and others. As the disease progressed, he continued to fight its effects and search for treatments, surviving multiple bouts of pneumonia. Though the disease prevented him from being physically active, he spent much time with his family and enjoyed discussing finance and politics. He was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where he served on the finance committee. He served on the board of the Sioux City Boys Club for 21 years and was president in 1995. He was also a president of the Sioux City Mariners swim team, on which his two children swam. He will be remembered as a kind and well-respected man who enjoyed the company of others and always remained courageous through a debilitating illness. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sandi; his two children, son Eric and his wife Niki of Arlington, Va., and daughter Rachel of Dakota Dunes; his mother Julie of Sioux City; and his two brothers and their wives, Andy and Sue Rodawig of Dakota Dunes, and Alex and Caroline Rodawig of Greenwood Village, Colo. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill. Memorials may be directed to the Sioux City Boys Club, St. Thomas Episcopal Church or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.