Former state senator Richard L. “Dick” Roeding, 86, of Lakeside Park, passed away Friday October 6, surrounded by his family.
Dick Roeding and wife Nancy
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years Nancy (Schrand) Roeding, his two children, Richard L. (Cindy) Roeding and Mary Lynn (Jim) Brunemann, seven grandchildren Chris (Angela) Brunemann, Emily (Michael) Klueh, Abby (Adam) Marfurt, Ross Roeding (fiancé Christy Brinkhoff), Jill Roeding, Kelly and Nicole Huston and three great grandchildren.
He was the son of the late Al and Alice Roeding, preceded in death by his brother James A. Roeding. He leaves his sisters Mary Alice “Sugar” Gausepohl and Martha K. “Marcy” Lucas.
Dick will be remembered for his love of family and his moral fortitude. He spent his life making sure his family was well cared for, that his children were provided opportunities to make sure they experienced success and had a foundation for the future.
His love of family was far-reaching, whether they were his brother or sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews.
His dedication for his community was evident in his involvement. He loved golf.
He spent his early years as a pharmacist working in drug stores in the area and eventually became a sales representative for Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals.
When asked to become a lobbyist, he met the challenge with confidence and conviction. When approached to run for the Senate at age 60 he did not waver. Dick served 18 years as a Kentucky State Senator, 1991-2009.
He held several leadership positions, Senate President Pro Tem, 2000-2004; Senate Republican Whip, 1995-1996; Chair, Senate Minority, Republican Caucus, 1997-1998; Chair, Northern Kentucky Legislative Caucus, 1995-1996. Registered Pharmacist, 1952- 2017, Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated Sales Executive and Corporate Lobbyist, 1956-1990.
provided photos
He served in the United States Army, Korean War, 1952-1954.
He served the community with the following organizations: a founding member/Past President, Blessed Sacrament/Villa Madonna Booster Club, Past President Covington Catholic School Board and Booster Club, Covington/Kenton Lions Club, Past Director Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home and Kentucky Pharmacists Association. He was nationally recognized and named American Legislative Exchange Council Legislator of the Year in 1996, National Republican Legislator of the Year in 1999 and for his outstanding work in community pharmacy he received the Bowl of Hygieia Award in 1983.
Visitation will be Friday October 13, 2017 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Middendorf Funeral Home, 3312 Madison Pike, Ft. Wright, KY 41017. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday 10:00am at Blessed Sacrament Church. Entombment will be at St. Mary Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers his family has requested donations to: The Dick and Nancy and Family Roeding Scholarship Fund C/O Covington Catholic High School 1600 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011-2797 or The St. Elizabeth Foundation (Cancer Care Fund)1 Medical Village Dr., Edgewood, KY 41017, or DDCH Center for Children and Families P.O. Box 17007 Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017.
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See NKyTribune’s earlier story here.
