Rev. Louis Rodakowski

1913 - 2010

Rev. Louis Rodakowski

Rev. Louis Rodakowski was born July 22, 1913 in Belfield, North Dakota and departed this world on January 24, 2010. His parents were Peter Rodakowski and Anna Evoniuk. He was born the fourth child of the nine Rodakowski children. He is preceded in death by his sisters: Ida Rodakowski Moffet, Elizabeth Rodakowski Schelsky and his brothers: Rev. Albert Rodakowski, John, Mike, August, and Sylvester Rodakowski. He was preceded in death by nephews: David Rodakowski, Bernard Schelsky and Brian Schelsky. He is survived by sister Helen Rodakowski Jones; various cousins; 15 loving nieces and nephews and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Father Louie attended Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon in 1938 and St. Edwards Seminary in Seattle, Washington in 1942. He was ordained May 30, 1942 in Portland, Oregon by Bishop Edward Howard. This was the step in which he devoted his life to his faith. His first assignment was Sacred Heart Parish, Newport, Oregon from November 1949 to August 1966 where he became known as "Father Rod".

He struggled in school but discovered he loved building structures. He built the church in Newport and Siletz, remodeled the church in Walport and helped his brother, Father Al, build the church in Toledo. Father Rod was assigned to St. Peter Parish from 1966 to 1967 and St. Helen Parish from June 1967 to November 1969. He built St. Jude Church and was there from November 1969 to September 1977 after which he retired to his "Lil Bit of Heaven" up the McKenzie River. He continued to serve by saying mass at Grants Pass and St. Benedict Retreat.

Father Louie had a very strong forceful personality and he definitely spoke to his audience. He enjoyed people and a good story, especially his own. In his lifetime he traveled beyond Oregon, with one of the highlights being a journey to Rome with his brother, Father Albert. He was a true Rodakowski; he hunted with his brothers, hung out with the "boys" and loved to tease, especially his nieces and nephews. Being one of nine, he competed with his siblings for center stage, a characteristic that lasted his whole life. For those who knew and loved him, take a moment with a glass of wine and reflect in his memory, on the importance of family, friends and love, and what we can do to help our fellow man.

In lieu of flowers, take a loved one to dinner and tell them the things we only think to say after they are gone.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Eugene, at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 30th.

Contributions can be made to Habitat for Humanity or your favorite childrens' charity.Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy