William V. Rohde

ROCK SPRINGS - William V. Rohde, 89, of Rock Springs, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at Sauk County Health Care Center, where he was a resident for the past three years.

He was born Feb. 14, 1920, in Lancaster, the son of John and Katie M. Bole Rohde. Bill was employed as an over-the-road truck driver for many years. He also worked as a security officer at Badger Ordnance. Bill also was employed at Rock Springs Elementary School, and thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff and the children. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church of Rock Springs.

William was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ione; son, Steven Rohde; two grandchildren; brother, James; sister, Caroline Vogel; and special friend of many years, Rosella.

He is survived by two daughters, Sharon (Roger) Jesberger of Sun Prairie, and Kathy Lehr of Stoughton; nine grandchildren, Kurt (Kris), Kevin, Ken (Sonja), and Karen Jesberger, Tammy and Jimmy Lehr, Jenny, Jason and Jordan Studee, all of Madison; 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Winnona Huggett of Fall River; many special friends, Christy and Patti Schaefer, Carole and Abraham Galicia, Shane Buelow and friend Carmen, Dillon and Kyle, Robin and Curt Lainhart, Sara and Rachel Bonar, Todd Buelow, Tracy and Jordan, William and Jean Mellentine and Nathan, Debbie and Mitch Smalley, Sean and Cody.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rock Springs, with Pastor Paul Schroeder officiating. Burial will be in Fall River Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the church. Memorials of remembrance may be made to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rock Springs.

Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg is assisting with the arrangements.