Robert Henry "Bob" Rohde

Robert Henry “Bob” Rohde, age 89, of Grants Pass, Oregon, died Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at his home.

Private interment will be at Roseburg National Cemetery in Roseburg, Oregon. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Contributions may be made to the Rogue Valley Humane Society, PO Box 951, Grants Pass Oregon 97528.

Bob was born November 23, 1923 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Arthur & Laure (Kroening) Rohde and attended Stewartville High School in Stewartville, Minnesota. In 1941 he joined the United States Army and served during World War II as a specialized automotive mechanic. He received two service medals, one which was the American Defense Service Medal. On October 15, 1945 he was honorably discharge as a corporal. After the service, Bob worked at Pacific Northwest Bell for 31 years. While working for Pacific Bell, Bob was at the Canyonville, Oregon mudslide on January 16, 1974 where nine coworkers lost their lives in the slide. After retiring from Pacific Bell, he went to work for Henkels and McCoy for several years.

Bob was a member of the Grants Pass Elks Lodge #1584 of Grants Pass for 66 years. He was Elk of the Year in 1998 and received his 65 year pin this year. Bob was also a member of the Telecom Pioneers.

He enjoyed woodworking in his shop and gardening.

Survivors include a son, Richard Rohde and wife, Sue of Dallas, Oregon; a daughter, Sandra Steed and husband Rick of Roseburg, Oregon; a brother, Arthur Rohde and wife Donna of The Dalles, Oregon ; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his companion of 37 years, Rita Verburg of Grants Pass, her daughters Ann Strunk and husband, Ted of Klamath Falls, Oregon and Mary Bush and husband Ken Bush of Grants Pass, Oregon and three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

His wife Patricia Rohde and brothers Don, Bill and Melvin (infant) Rohde died before him.