William Fritz Rohde, age 82, resident of Edinboro, PA since 1972, died Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Sara Reed Retirement Center in Erie, PA. Born on March 21, 1928 in Erie, PA, Bill was the son of the late Fritz and Helena Rohde. He was raised on the family farm in Wattsburg, PA and was a graduate of Wattsburg High School. He attended Columbia Bible College and then Edinboro Normal School where he received his teaching certificate. He began his long career in education as a science teacher at Union City High School later becoming the school’s guidance counselor. After pursuing two master’s degrees in education, one from University of Buffalo and one from Edinboro State College, he received his Principal’s license. He continued his educational work becoming the Assistant to the Dean of Graduate Studies at Edinboro University. During his tenure at the University, he was instrumental in developing and running the successful Elder Hostel program. His personal mission was to help others expand their knowledge and enrich their lives through learning.
Bill was a member of the Edinboro Kiwanis Club which he founded and supported throughout his life receiving its highest honor – the Hickson Medal. He was a member and Past Master of Eureka Masonic Lodge of Edinboro, a member of the Edinboro United Methodist Church, and the Commodore Perry Chorus. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and a gardener with a love of roses. Above all else, he was a family man, a devoted husband, and a good friend.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, MaryLou Bideaux Rohde, and their two children – Eric Bideaux Rohde and his fianc???e, Amy Seely and Lisa Bideaux Ganz and her husband, Kevin of Erie; four grandchildren -Ryan William Rohde, Rachel Lynn Rohde, Tyler Roman Mello, and Morgan Leigh Mello.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Edinboro on Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. and on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Visitation will be concluded with a Masonic service to begin at 6:45 p.m. and funeral services to begin at 7:00 p.m. Reverend Rand Edwards, United Methodist minister will officiate. Memorials may be given to the Edinboro University Foundation, 210 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444.
I remember Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary Lou’s wedding, what a grand event through a little 6 year-old girls’ eyes. The years passed, but my memories of the Rohde family Sunday’s at the Farm will always remain, with Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary Lou’s laughter being at the center. Love from your niece, Marcia Rohde Olieman, Ocala, Florida
To Eric, Lisa, Mary Lou, Rachel, Ryan, Tyler and Morgan.
I spoke to you all at the memorial service on Thursday. I just wanted to reiterate how Mr. Rohde touched my life. Bill was a role model in the way he handled himself, his devotion to Mary Lou and his family, not to mention his commitment to his community.
Many times when I was struggling with the stresses of working full time at a very stressful job, maintaining a full courseload and my responsibilities as a husband, Bill was always there to offer words of encouragement and support. Two years after I left my job as a certified nursing assistant in search of my first assignment in education, I was involved in a car accident that left me with a fractured vertebrae in my neck. True to his nature, Bill came to my hospital bed to offer support and kind words to me and my family in our time of struggle.
It is my sincere hope that I can become only half the man that Mr. Rohde was. He was the true embodiment of goodness that all people should strive for. I am truly blessed to have known Bill, even if it was for a short time. He will be missed.
With much love and respect,
Joshua Layton
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Bill’s family. He was a very dear friend and he will be missed. Love, Virginia and Dick Thompson
It is with deep sadness I note the passing of Uncle Bill. I have know him since my childhood as a man of honesty, intelligence and a deep commitment to his family.