Erwin Rodich Obituary (1927

Erwin Rodich (or, as he was known to friends on the North Side, “Ice Pick”), age 93, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2020 due to natural causes. Preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Rodich; parents, Sam & Bess Rodich; siblings, Teresa (Bud) Singer, Gloria (Shel) Berenson and brother-in-law Ben Kramer. He is survived by wife, Judith Rodich; sister-in-law, Anita Kramer; sons, Michael Rodich (Dona), Bruce Rodich; grandchildren, Daniel (Beth) Rodich, Amy (Shay Elam) Rodich, Jessica (Zach) Freeman, Rabbi Jason (Fran Benjamin) Rodich, Ben Rodich, Danielle Rodich and 8 great-grandchildren, (Talia, Sari, Lux, Jane, Leo, Wren, Arley and George). Erv was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Sam and Bess Rodich on April 8, 1927. He went to North High, where he graduated early to enlist in the Navy. After WWII, he attended The University of Minnesota where he majored in Business. Always good with numbers and people, he helped open and manage the first automatic car wash in the USA – in downtown Minneapolis. He went on to manage and then own several more over the next 20+ years. Due to the oil embargo of the early 70’s, he changed careers and became a jewelry rep. He took over the jewelry line established by Sam and Elizabeth Sherman, Jeanne’s parents. He substantially grew that business and made his customers his friends. His advice was always simple. One of his favorite sayings was, “Just be nice and everything else will follow”. He worked hard and treated everyone with dignity and respect. He spent the last 20 years at The Villages, where he enjoyed golf, poker, fishing and talking to everyone. He was often referred to as, “The Mayor of Flintlock”, the community where he and Judy made their home. He was loved by many, liked by all and will be greatly missed. The family will have a private funeral service. Donations in Erv’s memory to Herzl Camp (Rodich Family Scholarship Fund) or to donor’s favorite charity. A Zoom Shiva is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2020 at 7:00 pm, email zoom1@hodroffepstein.com for link.