Memorial
Erna “Erni” Rodulavic, age 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died on August 13, 2014, of natural causes. Erna was born on January 9, 1922, the daughter of Arthur and Anna (Wahner) Hartlet in Moesen, Kreis, Neisse-O’Slesia, Germany. Erna attended elementary school and Business College in Germany. As a young woman Erna experienced the horrors of war. Erna and her sister Gerda “Hartlet” McCaffrey survived a Russian Interment Camp until their escape. After marching for days, they were found by the United States Army and with the Army’s help they were taken to Bamberg, Germany where Erna became a valued interpreter in aiding the Army’s efforts in the fight against the war. Here she met Joseph Albert Rodulavic, a staff sergeant and later married him in New York City on October 15, 1950. Erna later earned an Associate’s Degree and worked as a Public Heath Sanitarian II in Bremer County, Iowa until her retirement in December of 1979. After her retirement she became a Certified Christian Minister and shared the message of God with her family, friends, local houses of God, and every Sunday at the Linn County Jail for the inmates. Erna was an amazing woman who dedicated her life to her family and Christian beliefs. She was an inspiring woman who will be remembered and missed dearly by everyone who knew her. Erna will be buried alongside her husband, the love of her life, on August 19, 2014. Graveside services will be conducted at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.
Erna’s survivors include her two children: Barbara (Billy Dirden) Rodulavic, Odessa, Texas and Joseph Arthur Rodulavic, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Two grandchildren: Jessica Lance and Matthew Overly. Five great-grandchildren: Kailie Quintanar, Halle Lance, Hayden Overly, Heath Overly, and Darrell “Trey” Lance. Two Sisters: Erica (Adrian) Huerter, San Antonio, Texas and Lucy Hartelt, lost during World War II.
Erna is preceded in death by her parents: Arthur and Anna Hartelt. Her husband: Joseph Albert Rodulavic on August 23, 1953. Two brothers: Herbert and Martin Hartelt. Three sisters: Theodora Pappenhoff, Margarette Meade, and Gerda McCaffrey.