Dale George Rohn

Dale George Rohn, 90, passed away from a short battle with cancer on June 24, 2014 at Cedar Hills Adult Family Home. He was born in Walla Walla, WA on October 5, 1923, to George and Catherine Rohn, Catherine passed away after Dale was born and Dale was mostly raised by George and George’s sister Katie. Dad grew up in Yakima and graduated from Yakima High School.

After high school he joined the U.S. Army. He fought in World War II earning the rank of Corporal & also being awarded expert badge shooting the M-1 rifle. He was also awarded, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After leaving the U.S. Army in 1946, he became a mechanic & worked in many locations in Yakima even owning his own Union 76 station for a while. Also in 1946 Dale & a few other friends created the World’s First Jeep Club, The Yakima Ridge Runners. Dale was the last original living member of The Yakima Ridge Runners. In May 1948 Dale married Dorothy Meyer. In 1963 they adopted a son Doug. The three of them enjoyed many years of the outdoors together. Dale was a frontiers men in the world of outdoor sports. Dale was in the front end of many organizations such as The Ridge Runners, The Pacific North West 4 Wheel Drive Assn, The National 4 Wheel Drive Assn, The Sea-doo Canoe & Mandelin Club. Dale was also a frontiersman in bringing snowmobiling to the Yakima Valley & was an early member of the Yakima Ski Bender Snowmobile Club. Dale did it all & did well while doing it.

Dale retired from Pacific Power & Light in 1884 after 25 plus years of service. After retiring Mom & Dad enjoyed many more years of traveling the west & heading south for the winters & hitting a casino whenever available. Dale was always up for a conversation about polities & solving the world’s problems.

For those who knew Dale they will understand the last old soldier standing has finally fallen. Dad, I’m glad that you chose me to be your son. You were a great example to me of what a man should be.

Dale is survived by his son, Doug & wife Susan of Yakima. Three grandchildren, Nick Rohn of Graham, WA, Lacy Rohn of Yakima & Travis Rohn of Selah; seven great grandchildren, Alex, Bailey, Tyler, Cambri, Brody, Lily & Jace.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Catherine Rohn, stepmother, Alice Rohn & his loving wife of 62 years Dorothy Rohn.

A special thanks to Jeff Anderson who helped brighten Dad’s days. The girls who took care of Dad at Cedar Hills & the Lower Valley Hospice.

A funeral procession will leave Keith & Keith Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. sharp on Saturday, July 19, 2014 & proceed to West Hills Memorial Park for a graveside service. Because of Dad’s pioneer spirit in the outdoor sports world anyone with any kind of off road vehicle is welcome to join the procession to the cemetery. Drive them, tow them or trailer them. Everyone is welcome. After words there will be a get together at the Legion Hall at 34th Ave & River Road for pizza & a final toast for the old soldier.

In lieu of flower send proceeds to the Yakima Ridge Runner (P.O. Box 2403 Yakima, WA 98907). To share a memory of Dale, visit www.keithandkeith.com.