Richard Alfred Rohrkaste
Richard Alfred (Rollie) Rohrkaste , 78, of Terre Haute died peacefully at his home on February 20, 2012. His final days were spent being comforted by family and friends. His strength and courage, in turn, comforted them.
He was born to Fritz and Verna (Rogers) Rohrkaste on December 7, 1933 in Edwardsville, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward Rohrkaste and his sister Verna Mae Rohrkaste Dotray, both of Edwardsville.
He was a proud veteran of both the US Army and Navy and retired after a long career with the Terre Haute Gas Corporation. He was involved in many community and church activities. His friends were many.
Richard was a man of simple, strong faith and devoted to his family. He was a natural teacher, gladly imparting his wisdom on everything from fixing a car to lessons in life. He taught many of us, most often by example.
He is survived by his daughter Robin Rohrkaste Crumrin and her husband Tim Crumrin of Fishers, IN, and four sons, Eric Rohrkaste of Terre Haute, Kris Rohrkaste of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Kirk Rohrkaste and wife Teresa of Salisbury, NC, and Dr. Fritz Rohrkaste of Albuquerque, NM. Also surviving is former wife Lela Barton Rohrkaste Ellis, Terre Haute. Richard’s grandchildren, Sean, Jesi, April, Bonnie, Chris, Dean, Justin, Heather, Brynn, and great-grandchildren, Tanner, Vash, and Kyle, Jr. were a great joy to him.
Richard was a man to be liked and respected, and now will be deeply mourned by family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25th at Maryland Community Church, 4700 South State Road 46, Terre Haute, IN. The family asks that anyone wishing to remember Richard contribute to the Hospice of the Wabash Valley. A memorial will be held at a later date in Edwardsville, Illinois. Arrangements are under the direction of DeBaun Funeral Homes and Crematory.
Richard Alfred Rohrkaste
Tue, Feb 21, 2012
7 Comments For This Post
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February 22nd, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Our sympathy to Rich’s family. He was a wonderful Christian man, and we’ll miss him.
Lucy Pigg & Family
February 22nd, 2012 at 4:36 pm
I will miss Richard, our times together, the occasional phone chats, and his knowledge of the Rohrkaste Family -
Although I am a little younger than Richard, I knew or know many of his classmates – they all respected and liked Richard
February 22nd, 2012 at 4:39 pm
I will miss Richard, our times together, the occasional phone chats, and his knowledge of the Rohrkaste Family
Although I am a little younger than Richard, I knew or know many of his classmates – and they all respected and liked Richard
February 23rd, 2012 at 5:29 am
Uncle Richard was a good man. He will be missed.
Jerry Houston, Texas
February 24th, 2012 at 4:37 am
It was great to be with Rich during his last week. We had three wonderful days. It was tough to see him suffering and lingering the last three days but know he is free of pain now. I appreciate the family allowing me to be with him.
I am pleased the family is planning two Memorial Services. One in Terre Haute with immediate family, local friends of Rich and Eric, and friends of Maryland Community Church where we met and served together. The other in Edwardsville, IL where Rich was born and extended family lives.
Rich has been a wonderful support and encouragement over the 17 years we have been together. The past ten years we stayed in contact by phone every week or two. Since Christmas we have talked about every day. I will truely miss those talks, but I am glad he is no longer struggling with pain. Rich has touched my life in ways that will never be forgotten. I pray that others who Rich has touched will be as blessed as I have been.
I regret not being able to attend the memorial services, but being with Rich when he and I could talk was more important for us than for me to be at his memorial. I do pray for his children and wish them well as they continue to live out those wise teachings from life their father taught them, especially how to live off the land and learn to depend on God for daily strength. I pray God will comfort each of them in a way that helps them go forward in life which is what he would want for them.
Kim Lamb, National City, CA (San Diego area)
March 3rd, 2012 at 10:45 am
Uncle Richard will be missed. You have our condolences.
March 3rd, 2012 at 10:46 am
Uncle Richard will be missed. You have our condolences.
The Hinnen family, IL (Edwardsville)