William Rohe
Bethalto |
William James “Jim” Rohe, 75, of Bethalto, entered his eternal rest on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 2:10 am, at his residence, under the care of Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Jim was born on September 17, 1945 in Ottawa, IL, the son of William Henry and Martha Ann (Rippey) Rohe. He graduated from Ottawa High School class of 1963. He then attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest Illinois, where he met the love of his life, Linda. Jim taught on a 1 year internship before his graduation at Trinity Lutheran School in Fremont, Nebraska. He married Linda Lee Dyroff in Cahokia, IL, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church on July 5, 1969. They were blessed with 51 lovely years of marriage.
Upon his graduation from Concordia in 1969 he accepted a call to teach at Zion Lutheran School, Bethalto, IL where he served for the remainder of his career. In 1974, Jim earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. At Zion, Jim taught 4th grade for 10 years and 5th grade for 29 years, before he retired with his wife in 2008. Throughout his career at Zion, he directed gradeschool band, coached sports, helped with youth groups, directed the yearly school musical, directed the adult and brass choirs, taught bible classes, served on the board of Elders, and looked forward to organizing the Lenten Bible Breakfast every year at the Eagles’ Nest. Jim called all of his students his “kids” and loved each one of them dearly. He was greatly blessed during his time spent serving Zion Lutheran Church and School. Beyond Zion, Jim also served the church at large through his work on the Southern Illinois District Board of Directors of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, on convention committes, and the Lutheran Older Adult Retreat Board.
Jim was not only very active in his faith, but also in the Bethalto community. He served many years on the Bethalto Library Board and the Bethalto Spirit Committee. He enjoyed bringing musical groups to the bandstand every year and made many dear friends in the various band groups that came to visit Bethalto every year. He loved filling the park with music throughout the summer.
Outside of work and the many places he served, Jim enjoyed attending Municipal Band Concerts in Alton and Edwardsville every summer, golfing, fishing, playing Pinochle with his family and friends, and simply spending time with his wife, Linda, dear daughter, Krista, and her husband, Brett. Jim had a gift for writing song lyrics, especially to sing at school. He also loved playing his guitar and ukulele and taught his students (and everyone he knew) his silly songs. Most importantly, Jim loved to share the glorious gospel of Christ with everyone that he encountered.
Along with his wife, Linda, Jim is survived by his daughter, Krista (Brett) Hinrichs of Decatur, IL, brother David (Susan) Rohe of Springfield, IL, brother Richard (Annie) Rohe of Trenton, IL, brother Kent (Glenda) Rohe of Sheridan, IL, sister-in-law Valerie (Dale) Zeisset of Waterloo, IL, his Uncle Bill Rippey of Mesa, AZ, along with many cherished nieces and nephews, their spouses, and great nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless dear friends.
Jim was preceded in death by daughter Jamie Linn Rohe, parents William and Martha Rohe, sister Judith Rohe, parents-in-law Clifford and Francis Dyroff, and two grandchildren born through miscarriage. We rejoice that Jim is resting peacefully with so many loved ones in the arms of our Savior.
A public visitation will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2020 from 2 pm to 4 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, IL. Funeral services will be private for the family, faculty, and staff of Zion Lutheran School, past and present. However, these services will be streamed live, on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 11 am, with Pastor Kale Hanson and Pastor Willard Meyer officiating. Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is in charge of arrangements.
Burial will take place at St. Paul Evangelical Cemetery in Columbia, IL.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran School and/or Lutheran School Association of Decatur.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
