On the 17th of March 2024, Pat with his youngest son by his side, peacefully ascended into heaven, where he could once again be reunited with his best friend and wife of 68 years, Marilyn. He passed away at the ripe "young" age of 96. He was preceded in death by Marilyn; his mother, Alice Rohrig and father, Francis E. Rohrig.
Pat is survived by his three sons, Dr. Timothy P. Rohrig (Beth), Michael Rohrig (Elaine) and Joseph Rohrig (Mike O'Neill); four granddaughters, who affectionately called him "Pappy," Stephanie Pennoyer (Scott), Lauren Rohrig (Michael Rotondi), Sidney Wilson (Corey), and Aryn McKee; grandson, Taylor McKee (Katrina); and great-granddaughters, Finley Pennoyer, Marin Pennoyer, Riley James Wilson and Penelope Rotondi; and great-grandson, Nico Francis Rotondi - named after his "Great Grand Pappy."
Pat was born in Wichita, KS where he attended Cathedral High School. Pat had a love for sports and excelled in baseball and lettered in basketball. He attended St. Louis University for one year on a basketball scholarship and Rockhurst College in Kansas City. In 1946, he felt the call to serve his nation. Pat enlisted in the US Navy, rising to the rank of Seaman First Class, separating with an Honorable Discharge in 1948. During his service, he was selected to play on the Navy's baseball team out of Naval Station Coronado in CA. He traveled the country, playing against other military teams, in order to keep up the morale of his fellow service members. His participation in the American pastime was a vital part of the Navy's mission.
After his naval service, he went to work for the Coleman Company as a draftsman in the engineering department. Pat not only worked for the Coleman Company, but continued with his love of sports and played baseball for the Coleman Rangers (semi-pro baseball team). He was named the most valuable player in the Victory League. As a shortstop, Pat had the second highest batting average in the 1951 season. He hit .424, getting 14 hits in 33 trips to the plate. Pat was a versatile player; he also played the position of outfielder, and for one game pitcher, throwing a three-hitter.
Pat married Marilyn Scott, the love of his life in 1954 and soon after moved to the Kansas City area. He continued working for the Coleman Company in various positions, then later on in life transitioned to a privately held HVAC company until his retirement. Along with Marilyn, he raised three boys, imparting in them his deep Catholic faith, love of sports, fishing, and most importantly, a strong work ethic.
Although this world has lost another good man, heaven welcomes another spiritual soul. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4).
A visitation for Pat will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas 66204. Following the visitation there will be a graveside service at 11:30 am at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 8321 Quivira Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66215, where he will be buried next to his wife, Marilyn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Boys Town (boystown.org) in his name would be welcomed.
