Howard John Rohde

Howard “Howie” J. Rohde, Jr, passed away at Oak Park Place in Menasha on December 18, 2024. He was born on August 24, 1932, to Howard A. Rohde, Sr, and Leona (Dingeldein) Rohde. Howard served in the United States Army during the Korean War from Feb 21, 1951, and was honorably discharged on February 1, 1954, as a sergeant.

On June 18, 1955, he married Martha “Sis” Smolinski at St John the Baptist Church in Menasha. He was proud to be a convert to Catholicism and became an active member of St John the Baptist Church and St Patrick Parish and worked at Menasha Corporation for 35 years. Aside from his job, he loved to go fishing and hunting-this was the reason for a purchase of hunting land in Waupaca Co. He loved planting trees and food plots for the deer, but he will be fondly remembered for raising pheasants and releasing them when ready to leave the coop.

Howard and Sis embarked on countless journeys both nationally and internationally. All the while they created memories of a lifetime. A proud descendent of German heritage, the couple took a trip to Germany and Poland to explore the land of their ancestors as well as returning to Austria to reminisce a time when Howie was assigned to serve there while in the Army. They also visited Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Caribbean including a trip to Antigua to witness the union of son David to Sandra. Other trips included Alaska, Maine, Las Vegas, and the majestic Grand Canyon. They also enjoyed visiting casinos while on their adventures. 

Family was everything to Howard and Sis and they had many adventures at the cabin in Waupaca County. Each of the boys have wonderful memories of time with Howard-from travels up to Leech Lake to venturing to Oktoberfest up north; and extending travels to Florida, Las Vegas and St Louis. Howard tried to set a great example for his boys and his grandchildren. There is a story out there about that example being forfeit following a long day of fun at Carlin Lake.

Howard is survived by his four sons: David (Sandra) Rohde, Waukesha, Mark (Terri) Rohde, Neenah, Scott (Jess) Rohde, Beaver Dam and Jim (Lori) Rohde, Menasha; 13 grandchildren: Elizabeth Rohde, Alex Rohde, Rebecca (Chris) Ng, Hanna Rohde, Alicia (Josh) Ray, Daniel (Ariel) Rohde, Emily, (Mike) Engelmann, Anna (Brice) Scholz, Brandon (Diana) Rohde, Tyler Rohde, Nathan (Brianna) Rohde, Aaron (Melissa) Rohde, and Matthew (Gaby) Rohde; 10 great grandchildren: Amelia and Sawyer Ray, Molly and Baker Engelmann, Davie Scholz, Lily and Lilah Rohde, Liam Rohde, Nevaeh Rohde, Lucas Ng and baby Engelmann on the way as well as bonus great-grandchildren: Nora, Emma, Everett, Lucy, Liam and Jace. He is further survived by his brother Jerome and sister Janet (Don) Jarchow, sister-in-law Jan Rohde, and brothers-in-law Marvin Wilson and Tom Bohmke and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife of 68 years, Sis, who left this earth in April of 2024; brother Jerald Rohde, sisters Janice Reinhart and Sharon Wilson; sister-in-law Grace Rohde and grandson Justin Rohde. He is further preceded by in-laws Rose Bohmke, George “Bibs” (Audrey) Smolinski, Michael (Joan) Smolinski, Frank (Betty) Smolinksi, Alvina (Delbert) Ernst, Eugene (Betty Lou) Smolinski, Jenny (Howard) Mielke and Dorothy (Matthew/Jerry) Prestil-Schomisch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday December 28, 2024, at 11:00am at St Patrick Parish, 324 Nicolet Blvd, Menasha. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until mass begins. Howard will be laid to rest at St John’s Cemetery, Menasha.