Marvin William Rohde

Marvin William Rohde, 91, died peacefully at his home on December 2, 2022.  His wife and family were with him his last five days as he received hospice care at home.  Marvin was born in Sheboygan on February 9, 1931 to Erwin and Helen (Thorsell) Rohde, the middle child of five.  He attended Mapledale School and graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1949. 

He proudly served as a medic in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1953, in the Mediterranean and surrounding area, and continued in the Navy Reserve.  He became a 9-gallon blood donor and began working in the Sheboygan area, at Reiss Coal Co. (later serving as the Reiss Coal Credit Union President), Standard Oil, Plyco Corp, and retired after 13 years at the Sheboygan Water Utility in April 1993.

On May 14, 1955 he married Janice Byrum at Zion Church in Sheboygan, and together they raised four children until Janice’s untimely death June 15, 1971.

Marv’s love for golf began as a caddie at age 14 and continued for 73 years, getting three holes in one, and enjoying league play and memberships at Riverdale, Quit Qui Oc, and Town and Country over the years.  When golfing at Quit Qui Oc with Rev. Lowell Ferguson, Marv scored a back to back eagle-birdie and Ferguson declared that was “Marvelous golf” and Marv’s nickname “Marvelous” stuck the rest of his life.  When asked how he was, he’d reply “Marvelous”, even through his last days.

Following a stroke on October 26, Marv received therapy at Sheboygan Senior Community and his smiles were a joy to the staff and therapists.

Marv was an active life member of Sheboygan Elks Lodge #299 for 44 years, serving on the Board of Directors and on the men’s and couples bowling leagues for many years.  When he offered to run a couple’s golf tournament in 1983, he asked Gail Bury to be his partner.  That started a romance and led to a November 26, 1983 wedding at Zion Church in Sheboygan and they just celebrated 39 years of marriage.  Marv joined Zion Church at that time and was a faithful member.

Marv and Gail enjoyed vacations in Hawaii, Florida, a river cruise in Europe, numerous golf trips, but in 2000 they bought a home in Chandler, AZ in the Springfield Golf Community and were blessed with great friends and year-round golf.  He loved the warm climate, the sunsets, and spent 6 months of each year there.  They attended Chandler’s Sun Lakes Methodist Church as active members. 

In Sheboygan, Marv and Gail enjoyed a special relationship with several of his classmate couples, playing card games, golfing, and attending Brewer games with them.  He enjoyed attending the grandchildren’s sports events.  He looked forward to every other August family reunions in Cleveland, WI, when his mother’s family gathered for the Thorsell Reunion weekend.  He loved polkas and Big Band music and was a good dancer. 

He is survived by his loving wife Gail, his four children, Dawn (Scott) Fredericks, Wendy (Robert) Werner, Jon (Angela) Rohde, and Glen (Deborah) Rohde, all of Sheboygan, and Gail’s two sons, Steven (Laura Anderson) Bury of Sheboygan, and John (Hoa) Bury of Bentonville, AR.  Marv was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Jeremy Fredericks, Jacob (Amanda) Werner, Ross (Julie) Werner, Katherine (T.J.) Crowns, Brianna (Casey) Jonas, Allison (Jon) Paul, Morgan Rohde, Elizabeth (Jason) Jensema, Jenna (Jeremy) Gabrielson, Elizabeth, Benjamin and Annabella Bury. 14 great-grandchildren also survive, Noelle and Alexis Fredericks, Will and Emily Werner, Amelia and Charlie Werner, Trey and Lauren Crowns, Olivia Jonas, Hadley Paul, Lincoln and Estelle Jensema, Bayla and Remmie Gabrielson, and a brother Erwin (Doris) Rohde of Westland, MI.

Preceding Marv in death were his parents, his brother Willard (Shirley) Rohde, his sisters Marion (Norman) Meier, and Betty (Clarence) Grupe, a granddaughter Elizabeth Werner, and other relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 12:00 Noon at Ballhorn Chapels, 1201 N. 8^th St., Sheboygan, with Rev. Chris McKnight officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon. Inurnment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Sheboygan.

Memorials may be given to Zion Covenant Church in Sheboygan or Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.  Both of those served Marv and his family with loving care and concern.

                                                                 We were blessed in many ways

                                                                  And God did guide us through,

                                                                  We felt His love along our path

                                                                       And all along we knew

                                                               That we could lift each other up

                                                                      When obstacles arose,

                                                                     Because we had a Savior

                                                                    With a love that overflows.

                                                                      Love you always, Gail