Elmer Lee Rohrbacher

Elmer Lee Rohrbacher- Dec 27, 1928 – Dec 26, 2020 Son of Charles and Helen Rohrbacher, born December 27, 1928, died in his sleep on December 26 just before his 92nd birthday. He was survived by his wife of 72 years, Margaret Ann Rohrbacher, two sons, Richard (Sandra) and Andrew (Matthew Warmuth). He is also survived by brother V. L. ‘Larry’ Rohrbacher, sisters, Sharon Cota, Gladys Mason, Charlotte Rohrbacher, and Christina Rohrbacher. He was predeceased by sister Patricia Dimmett. Elmer graduated from Central High School and the Mechanic Arts School in 1946 in Evansville, IN. He worked for Western Electric, then at the Chrysler Corporation factory in Evansville, and finally went to work at Indiana Bell Telephone Company, an operating company of AT&T, in 1952 retiring from AT&T in 1987. Elmer was always curious about the world, how it worked, how to make it better, always learning. At Indiana Bell he attended many training schools, striving to be first in his class. He would be terribly disappointed if he was less than first. He was promoted to a management position in 1966, moving to Bloomington, IN. His first responsibilities included broadcasting athletic events from Indiana University. He was involved in the first microwave transmission of telephone calls, the first computerized operator stations, and many other assignments which were firsts. Once Elmer’s wife, Margaret, retired they undertook at least one major trip a year, traveling all over the world. His passions included building and flying radio-controlled aircraft, opera, classical music, loved Patsy Cline, along with being very curious about electronics and technology. A voracious reader, he consumed books, magazines, newspaper articles, and later on articles from the internet. He belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association, Monroe County RC Club, the Kiwanis International and Elks Lodge #446 in Bloomington, IN, and a Master Mason for over 65 years. He was a member of Lessing Masonic Lodge #464 in Evansville, IN. A Memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Alexander Memorial Park Heritage Chapel with live streaming at www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA. Friends may visit 12:00 noon until service time at the chapel.