Joan E. Clodius Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joan E. Clodius, 84 of Rockford, died on January 29, 2012 at 3:32 a.m. in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. She was born on November 16, 1927 in Walla Walla, Washington; daughter of Benson and Lois Coyle. Graduate of the University of Washington, where she majored in Far Eastern Studies. United in Marriage on August 27, 1949 to Robert Clodius in Yakima, Washington. Their marriage was truly a joint enterprise from the beginning. She partnered with Robert throughout his academic career, beginning with his time in graduate school early in their marriage. She was extremely supportive of her husband’s career in academia. As he accepted positions of greater responsibility, she partnered with him by planning and orchestrating business and social events at the university. She detailed her experiences, and the experiences of other university president’s wives in a book she wrote, “The President's Spouse: Volunteer or Volunteered.” Joan was a lifelong lover of music and the arts. Member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. Survived by her husband, Robert; children, Catherine Clodius of Madison, WI; Mark (Monika) Clodius of Rockford; grandchildren, Christopher Clodius, Annabel Clodius; nephew, Lex Corbett of Moses Lake, WA; niece, Mary (Mike) Graham of Moses Lake, WA. Preceded in death by her parents and sister, Myrna Corbett. A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford, Rockford. Rev. Dr. Mark Hagen will officiate. Memorials may be made in Joan’s name to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.graceFH.com.

Joan E. Clodius

November 16, 1927 - January 29, 2012