Obituaries

April 5, 1946 to October 9, 2018

MONTICELLO - Rodney Price "Rod" Ehrlich, 72, of Monticello passed away Tuesday, Oct. 9.

He was born April 5, 1946 to the late Donald and Marion (Price) Ehrlich. He was a true son of Francesville, where he spent his childhood growing up as one of six siblings. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1964. It was during these formative years in Francesville that the seeds of Rod's character and values became deeply rooted and honored for the rest of his life. He never forgot where he came from and cherished the memories and friends he made in Francesville throughout his life. He married Cindy Hauk of Bluffton in June 1975. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Carrie Ehrlich, Chicago, daughter
Mark (wife, Liz) Ehrlich, Lafayette, son
Luke Ehrlich, grandson
Virginia Turner (husband, Boyce, deceased), sister
Jerry Ehrlich (wife, Connie), brother
Jim Ehrlich (wife, Concepcion), brother
Charlie Ehrlich (wife, Cindy), Arizona, brother
Derinda Ehrlich (husband, Jim Manning), sister
Many beloved nieces and nephews
Max and Queenie Hauk of Monticello, father/mother-in-law
Melinda Hauk Leighty, New Mexico, sister-in-law

Mr. Ehrlich, since the age of 11, knew he wanted to become an engineer. During high school, every free moment was spent at Monon Trailer where his brother Jerry gave him a job working nights to save money for college. After completing one year of college, he joined the military during the Vietnam Era and served stateside and in Korea. Upon discharge from the U.S. Army, he enrolled in Purdue University where he completed his degree in mechanical engineering. Having fully developed his skills at Monon Trailer, he was given the challenge of creating Monon's first engineering department. Thus began a life-long love affair with the trailer industry.

In April of 1985, he followed his brother, Jerry Ehrlich, to start a company called Wabash National where Rod assumed the role of Head of Engineering. For over 30 years, he authored more than 60 patents at Wabash National that advanced the company and the industry. In 1997, Rod was named Outstanding Mechanical Engineer by Purdue University for his contributions to the engineering profession. The Ehrlich Innovation Center at Wabash National was dedicated in 2012 to recognize his contribution and commitment to excellence. He will be remembered as a pioneer in the transportation industry.

Rod and Cindy were enthusiastic supporters of Purdue Musical Organizations (PMO) in which both of their children participated. Among the many highlights of their life together were the opportunities they shared participating with PMO on trips overseas, attending performances around the country and at home. He was an active member of the Monticello United Methodist Church. He was a musician and gifted artist. He could do anything with his hands and mind. Whether it was rebuilding a car, inventing a new patent for a trailer, refinishing the hinges on his 150 year old house, woodworking, drawing a portrait, playing the trumpet, forging new trails on his property, building sand castles or any number of creations, he never had a shortage of projects and lived life to the fullest. His napkin sketches will be remembered by many.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct.15 at Connection Court of the Monticello United Methodist Church located at entrance B. Visitation will also be one hour prior to services at the church Tuesday. The funeral service celebrating Mr. Ehrlich's life will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Monticello United Methodist Church sanctuary located at entrance A with Rev. Brian Beeks officiating services.

Memorial donations can be made to: Monticello United Methodist Church Building Campaign, Camp Tecumseh Capital Campaign, Purdue Musical Organizations Travel Fund, Purdue Cancer Research, or to Twin Lakes Family Food Pantry: Food Finders. Envelopes will be available at the Church. Whenever possible, online giving is appreciated.

Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello is entrusted with arrangements.