Floyd Richard Rohde

Floyd Richard Rohde, 87, passed away on May 14 in Cary, North Carolina, at the home of his youngest son, and in the presence of family. He was born on December 12, 1928, in the town of Burnett, Wisconsin. He grew up on a farm, graduated from Beaver Dam high school, and spent two years in the United States Army. He married Betty Becker in 1958. Floyd and Betty raised their children in Sun Prairie and retired to the Asheville, North Carolina area in 1992. They spent their retirement gardening, cooking, reading, remodeling, and practicing healthy living. Floyd was exceptionally gifted with all things technical. His career as an auto mechanic spanned five decades. He was also an avid winemaker and brewer, and sang in church and community choirs all his life. His kind manner and gentle wit will be remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by sons Paul of Madison, Wisconsin, Doug (Sylvia Bachmann) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Jim (Vicki, with grandchildren Breanna, Logan, and Parker) of Cary, North Carolina; by sisters Audrey Rohde, Angie Riege, Bev Kosson, Helen (Bud) Kenning, and Betty (Thielen) Robinson; by his brother Cyril (Betty) Rohde; by his brother-in-law Greg (Elaine) Becker; and by many nieces and nephews. Floyd was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty (Becker); his mother Gertrude (Reichert); his father Jesse Rohde; his sister Connie Wepner; his brothers-in-law Bob Wepner, Orv Riege, Ray Kosson, Jack Thielen, and Art Robinson; by Betty's sisters Corinne, Marie, and Joyce; and by their husbands Gene Schaefer, Don Hammer, and Dick Ptaschinski. Memorial service and interment will be Friday, June 24, 2:00 p.m., at the Western Carolina Veterans Cemetery. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Lift Garage (theliftgarage.org). Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.