Luther Roedel

ROEDEL
After 73 years of marriage, Mr. Karl Luther Roedel passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2024, surrounded by family, just a few months after his loving wife, Jo Gayle Roedel, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at their family home.
Karl was born on February 8, 1932, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Clarence Luther and Ann Belle (Davis) Roedel.
Jo was born within a few days of Karl at the same hospital on February 15, 1932, the daughter of Ralph and Jessie (Payne) Gipfert. They even spent time in the same nursery at St. Mary’s hospital. The family finds comfort in the amazing proximity of this loving couple’s births and deaths. It is a testament to their profound love for each other.
Lifelong residents of central Missouri, Karl and Jo graduated from Jefferson City High School. It was during their time in school, at the young age of 14, when the couple started dating and were happily married at the age of 18. They were married in Jefferson City, Mo., on November 27, 1950, just before Karl went to serve our country overseas.
Karl left high school early to serve as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. When Karl returned home, he worked at the National Cash Register, March of Dimes, and spent the majority of his professional career as a Fiscal Officer with the Manpower Planning Division of the State of Missouri, helping track youth grant programs throughout the state.
Following the birth of their children, Jo dedicated her time to raising them and supporting the family. Once they reached an age where she could pursue a career, Jo joined Jefferson City High School as an attendance secretary until her retirement.
Karl and Jo were committed to their faith and members of First United Methodist Church. In the last year of their life, they also valued the ministry of Pastor Lowell Perkins and his staff at First Assembly of God and Pastor John Kerr of Wesley United Methodist Church. Their family is forever grateful for their love, prayers and guidance. They were also members of Meadow Lake Acres Country Club and the B.P.O. of the Elks, Lodge #513.
Karl enjoyed anything that took him outdoors with friends and family, including golf, bird hunting, and fishing. Jo enjoyed making sure everyone felt loved and cared for, friend or family. She kept her family connected by organizing food, activities and making sure everyone understood attendance was expected for holidays, birthdays and trips.
For 73 years, Jo and Karl were inseparable companions. They harbored a profound affection for family and made sure those values were instilled in their children and grandchildren. They looked forward to quality time celebrating birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Every year, they made family trips to Florida, and they embarked on two unforgettable three-month camping adventures to Alaska with their dear friends, Dick and Charlotte McMichael. They also cherished their neighborhood near Memorial Park, where they lived for over 60 years, and their neighbors became like family.
Karl and Jo are survived by: three children, Chuck Roedel (Karen), Sam Roedel (Nancy Martin), and Kathy Farmer (Mike), all of Jefferson City, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Jessica Johnson (Mike), Reece Roedel, Jacob Roedel, Alison Andrews (Cheney), Joanie Creede (Dustin), Kirk Farmer (Libby), Allison Kingsbury (Rob), Margo Martin and Megan Holzer; 11 great-grandchildren; many beloved friends and neighbors, and their beloved pets, especially Tom the turtle. They were blessed with many great caregivers for the last years of their lives, Angela Rodriquez, Danielle Morris, Debra Hughes, Marcy Griffin, Raechel Ford, Katie Adrian and Sue May. Their family will always be grateful for the love these amazing people shared with Karl and Jo.
They were both preceded in death by their parents.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Lowell Perkins officiating. Graveside services and interment for both Karl and Jo will be held at Riverview Cemetery. Military honors will conclude the service to honor Karl’s service to our country.
A webcast of their service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Friday for friends that are not able to attend by going to their memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Friends of the Jefferson City Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 105932, Jefferson City, MO 65110.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
www.freemanmortuary.com