In Memory of Robert "Bob" Rohde

Robert R. "Bob" Rohde, age 83, of Ida Grove, Iowa, died Saturday, November 2, 2013, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.
           
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa with the Reverend Adam J. Peck & Reverend Richard A. Salcido officiating. Burial will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery with military rites conducted by the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion both of Ida Grove, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at the Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Robert “Bob” R. Rohde was born April 9, 1930 in Battle Creek, Iowa at the Battle Creek Hospital to Emil and Theresa (Scheer) Rohde. Bob was baptized in to the Christian faith on May 25, 1930 at St. Mathews Lutheran Church in Mapleton, Iowa.

He attended school in Castana, Iowa for eleven years before they moved and finished school in Cushing, Iowa, graduating in 1948. After graduating Bob enlisted in the United States Army serving 13 months, during his service he served in the Korean  Conflict, while serving he received two bronze stars and a metal of commendation, he was honorably discharged in 1953.

Upon returning home Bob married Donna Demarest on October 11, 1953 in Cushing, Iowa at St. John’s Lutheran church. They made their home in Ida Grove, Iowa. The couple was blessed with three children Michael, James, and Pamela. After Donnas long battle with cancer she passed away in 1991.

Bob worked as a job superintendent for United Builders in Ida Grove for twenty-eight years before starting Rohde Construction. He had a hand in the Horn Memorial Hospital, the Skate Palace, the Ida Grove Rec Center, Bomgaars, Pizza Hut and numerous other projects in Ida Grove and across Northwest Iowa. 

He designed the original sign for the Bomgaars, and was even know as “Mr. Bomgaars” because he had such an influence in the building of Bomgaars stores across the area. 

Bob met Rita Pont and they were married on April 6, 1995 at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa. The couple made their home in Ida Grove, Iowa.

Bob was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, he participated on the Planning and Zoning committee, He also enjoyed golfing which is how he met Rita, bowling, black jack, and was a loyal sponsor of Pheasants  Forever.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Rita Rohde of Ida Grove, His three children, Michael (Sheryl) Rohde of Atlantic, Iowa; James Rohde and special friend Vickie of Laramie, Wyoming; Pamela Lorenzen of Sioux City, Iowa; grandchildren, Sarah Rohde; Seth Rohde; Dana (Tom) Grafft; Toya Lorenzen and special friend Tyler; Cody Lorenzen and special friend Danielle; great grandchildren, Taylor Smith; Chloe Grafft; Kinnick & Karver Jensen; and his twin sister, Rita Schoenfeld of Battle Creek, Iowa.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife Donna Rohde, granddaughter Mindy Jensen, and brother-in-law Fred Schoenfeld.