Roedel was born on March 30, 1939, in Appleton, Wisconsin.[1] He attended St. Mary Catholic High SchoolinNeenah, Wisconsin, where he was a star football player on both offense and defense.[2] An article in the News-Record wrote of Roedel: "[he] has played as many minutes offense and defense as any member of the club. In more than one game he has gone all the way. Herb is a 200 pounder who has developed as one of the team's better straight ahead blockers and a defensive strongpoint."[2] In his time at St. Mary, Roedel won All-Fox Valley Catholic Conference as well as all-state honors.[3]
After graduating from St. Mary, Roedel joined Marquette University on a full football scholarship.[4]The Post-Crescent reported that he was rated "No. 1 guard prospect."[5] He was among 29 freshmen to earn football numerals in 1957.[6] He made the varsity team in 1958 and began seeing action at guard.[7] In 1959, Roedel earned a varsity letter and became a starting guard.[8][9] He continued as starter for his senior season, 1960.[3]
Roedel, who studied mechanical engineering at Marquette, graduated in 1961.[4]
After going unselected in the 1961 NFL Draft, Roedel was signed by the Dallas Cowboys.[10] He reported to training camp in July.[11] After not making the final roster there, Roedel was signed by the Oakland Raiders in the rival American Football League (AFL).[12] He began the season as the team's number two left guard, and saw action as a backup.[13] After an injury to Wayne Hawkins, Roedel became starting guard for a time.[14] He finished his rookie year with 14 appearances and two starts.[1]
After just one season of professional football, Roedel announced in March 1962 that he was retiring to concentrate on an engineering career.[15]
Roedel later became an engineer in San Francisco, California.[16] He also raced sailboats at the St. Francis Yacht Club nearby.[4] Afterwards, he was an avid road cyclist.[4] It was through cycling that he met his future wife, Jessica Wimer.[4] They married on May 28, 1983, and settled in San Rafael.[4] The couple had two children.[4] Later, Roedel began a business and named it the Derex Company, after his two sons, Alex and Derek.[4]
In 1988, Roedel was inducted into the St. Mary Catholic High School Athletic Hall of Fame.[17]
Roedel died on July 25, 2022, at the age of 83.[4]
