Emery Thomas Rohde

Born in Detroit on July 26, 1927, Emery grew up a sports fan of the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and Michigan football. As a Wolverine fan he had a deep dislike for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Despite his dislike for Ohio State, Emery went to college and seminary at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, graduating with his Masters of Divinity in 1953. While on seminary internship in Oregon City he met Elaine Knoefel and they were married on June 28, 1953. Emery and Elaine were married for just over 50 years. After Elaine’s death in 2004, Emery married Ruth Kretzinger and they were together for 12 years before her death in 2018.

Emery served many congregations during his many years in ministry. His first congregation was Christ Lutheran in Vancouver, BC; Grace Lutheran, Wenatchee; Phinney Ridge Lutheran in Seattle; Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Arlington. Emery retired from full-time ministry in 1991. However, he never fully retired from being a pastor, Emery served as interim pastor at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Sunnyside, Christ Lutheran in Yakima and visitation pastor at Central Lutheran in Yakima for 7 years. Emery and Elaine had 3 children, son Gary and wife Suzie; son Tom and wife Jody and daughter Lisa and husband Doug. Emery had 4 granddaughters and 4 great grandchildren. Emery moved back to Arlington his last couple of years and lived at Olympic Place. He enjoyed playing BINGO, socializing at Happy Hour, leading Sunday worship and mid-week Bible Study. He appreciated the staff for all they did and actually liked the food. Memorial services are being planned for a later date when we can gather safely. Memorials can be made to the ELCA Good Gifts program at ELCA.org/goodgifts or by calling 800-638-3522. Or The Day Care/Pre-School at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church 615 Highland Dr. Arlington, WA 98223.