Edna Emma Rodewald Apostol, 100, of Savannah. MO went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in Platte City, MO. She was born December 28, 1924 in Rulo, NE to George and Viola (Shepard) Rodewald.
Edna was preceded in death by both her parents, son George, brother Kenneth, sister in law Doris, nephews David and Norman and her beloved dog Skipper.
Edna spent her first years in Rulo then moved with her family to Savannah, MO where she resided until graduating Savannah High School in 1942. Shortly after she accepted an invitation from her cousin to move to Chicago where she started her lifelong career in radiology. She was hired for her first job by Dr. Lowell Davis Chief of Staff at Passevent (now Northwestern) Hospital. She quickly became one of their best radiologists and frequently took care of famous patients like Lionel Barrymore (Mr. Potter from It's A Wonderful Life), Bert Lahr (Wizard of Oz Cowardly Lion), and Yul Brynner among others. When the Chief of Staff's daughter Nancy visited she liked going to lunch with Edna who on the first time on meeting Nancy's boyfriend was not star struck as he was a "B" movie actor named Ronald Reagan....she still went to lunch with them and became a lifelong fan of the future president.
Edna was a proud graduate of Northwestern University and maintained her career in Radiology until getting married and raising a family.
She showered her three boys with love and guidance even while battling the storms that came with eventually being a single parent. She worked two jobs most times determined to feed her children and never wavered when life hit her hardest. In 1976 she moved with her three boys back to Savannah accepting a job at then St. Joseph Hospital later renamed Heartland Hospital, quickly becoming "mom" to so many employees, and remained employed until retiring in 1990. During retirement she took joy in taking her little dog for daily walks....sometimes up to 15 or 20 miles much to the dismay and worry of her family and local townfolk who enjoyed seeing her out as they always knew an intellectual and positive conversation would ensue...despite the warning growls of her little dog vowed to defend his master.
Edna loved to travel early on and regaled in talking about her trip to Greece early in her life. She was proud of her direct relation to President William McKinley and gladly accepted the invitation to join her youngest son and her grandchildren Brett and Shelby to Canton, OH where they visited the McKinley grave and library.
Upon returning to Savannah in 1976 she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Savannah and faithfully attended services until her last days. She led several bible study classes and became a fixture that inspired all. As her vision and strength failed her she took joy in listening to local radio KFEQ and frequently was a caller to the Barry Birr show highlighted by an on air interview this past December 28th to honor her 100th birthday.
Edna lived life driven by knowledge and curiosity up to the end and passed on Feb. 27th surrounded by loved ones who said goodbyes with tearful memories of a brilliant, loving and strong woman who inspired all that graced her presence.
Survivors include her children; Troy (Vanessa Allen) Apostol of Kansas City, MO and Michael Apostol of Platte City, MO; seven grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and family members.
Per Edna's wishes she will be cremated with a celebration of her life to be held on a future date at the First Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Mo. Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home, Savannah, MO is in charge of local arrangements.
