Vernon Herman Rohde

Vernon Herman Rohde was born January 1, 1929 in Maple Plain Township, Barron County, WI the son of Herman and Dagny (Jensen) Rohde. He was born at home on the farm and his grandmother acted as the midwife. He was raised and attended school in Shell Lake, WI before going to work for his family on the farm. Vern took a job at Lampert in Shell Lake for a short time before following his Uncle Henry out east to Pennsylvania where they worked on pipelines. Vern moved to Virginia, MN where he went to work in the taconite mines where he learned how to operate heavy machinery. On October 11, 1958, Vernon was joined in marriage to Carol Elizabeth Chase at St. Albans Episcopal Church in Spooner, WI. Vernon went to work for a boat factory in Shell Lake before taking a position with Indianhead Floral Shop as a grower. His gift of gardening served him well in this new role. In 1983 Vernon began as a custodian for the Spooner School System and kept this position until his retirement in 1994. While Vernon was working full time jobs in the Shell Lake and Spooner areas he would also work as a Wards and Sears delivery person. Vernon was an avid fisherman and enjoyed taking the children and grandchildren fishing. After retirement he was a meticulous gardener and grounds keeper around the house. He enjoyed bowling, dancing, and playing cards with family and friends. He was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Spooner.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol; one daughter, Jeannett (Dennis) Love of Rockland, WI; two granddaughters, Kali Ellen and Krista Jean Love; one brother, Erling (Elinor) Rohde of Rice Lake, WI; three sisters, Mildred Wilder-Erickson of Frederick, WI, Beverly (James) Cuskey of San Antonio, TX, Joyce Sutherland of Waukesha, WI; one aunt, Gladys Ficher of Lewis, WI; many nieces and nephews; and “adopted” daughter, Tammy Ostermann of Spooner, WI and her children.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and one son, David Rohde.

A memorial service celebrating Vernon’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, at Dahl Funeral Home in Spooner with Father Bob Rodgers officiating. A time of gathering with family and friends will be held on hour prior to the service at the funeral home.