Patrick D. Rohrer

Patrick Daniel Rohrer, age 69, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2021. He was born on August 20, 1952, son of John and Marion (née Barry) Rohrer. He went by many names – Pat, Puddy, Coach Rohrer, Mr. Rohrer, Stan, Big Daddy – but he was Dad and Grandpa to us.

Dad proudly grew up on the south side of Chicago and attended St. Laurence High School. He earned his Business degree at Marquette University, where he met his wife of 47 years, Joan Dillon. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. Shortly after graduation, Dad and Mom moved to the Fox Cities where he bought Credit Systems of the Fox Valley. He recently sold his business after 40 years and moved into a “phased” retirement, which proved to be more of a non-retirement. He made Appleton home to us.

Dad loved sports. He started coaching basketball when he moved to the Fox Cities and coached his sons and hundreds of others with a loud voice and high expectations. Each of us has a story, and most of us can still hear his disapproving whistle in our heads. He was a passionate and loyal sports fan, minimizing any distraction while watching a Chicago Bears football or Marquette basketball game. His closet mostly consisted of sports-related apparel, including his notorious track suits. Golf was his favorite pastime. He shared this love with his sons as well as his golfing buddies. A cigar could usually be found in his mouth, or tossed on the ground while teeing off.

Dad was a loyal friend to many, including to this day his grade school classmates, affectionately referred to by his family as the “Chicago People.” He made friends wherever he went, always greeting people with a firm handshake and loud hello. He gave nicknames to everyone, some more complimentary than others. He was quick-witted, never too serious, and always made people around him smile.

His greatest joy was his children. Dad encouraged us to succeed in everything we did and was proud of our accomplishments. He was a loving father and attended all of our activities, even cheerleading events for his daughter. He adored his grandchildren and lived for the times the entire family was together, especially in Appleton for the holidays and on the Chain O’ Lakes in the summer. Ensuring our happiness was his number one priority, and he went out of his way to make each of us feel special. He welcomed two new grandchildren this year, growing the count to five and guaranteeing he had a full basketball team.

We love you Dad and will miss your commanding presence and iconic mustache. Despite your enjoyment for making people squirm, we saw your soft and generous side much more often. We know you are with us always and will do our best to honor you and carry on your name.

Dad is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his children and adoring grandchildren: Daniel Patrick (Amy) Rohrer and their sons Samuel Patrick and Alexander Dillon; Colleen Kelley (Taylor) McIlvennan and their sons Henry Patrick and Jack Dillon; and Kevin Dillon (Kaitlyn) and their daughter Eleanor Elizabeth; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Thomas Boyle, Nan (Thomas) Delaney, Judy Dillon, Thomas (Billie) Dillon, Michael (Jan) Dillon, Timothy Dillon and Patricia Murphy, and many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Marion Rohrer; his brothers Terrance and John Rohrer; his sister Sandra Boyle; father- and mother-in-law Robert and Florence Dillon; brothers-in-law James Dillon and Patrick Dillon.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM CST for Patrick on Friday, December 17, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 404 West Lawrence Street, Appleton. Family and friends may visit at the church on that day from 8:30 AM to the time of mass. For those unable to attend, the mass may be viewed via Livestream by visiting his obituary page on wichmannfuneralhomes.com Friday morning.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting wife Joan’s work with Tri-County Dental, daughter Colleen’s work with the Colorado Program for Patient-Centered Decisions, or daughter-in-law Amy’s work with the American Cancer Society.

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