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Thomas Donald "Tom" Rohde

Thomas Rohde Obituary

September 5, 1963-January 24, 2005

Age 41, of 216 Candlewick Dr., Wendell, died Monday at WakeMed. He was born in Milwaukee, WI. Tom worked with Pioneer Exteriors. He enjoyed playing basketball, softball and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a beloved son. He was preceded in death by his father, Allan Dean Rohde.

His memorial service will be held 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 27, 2005 in the Strickland Funeral Home Chapel, 211 W. Third St., Wendell.

He is survived by his wife of over 17 years, April Rohde sons; Bryan and Brandon Rohde, his mother, Dorothy Rohde of Milwaukee, WI, brothers; James Rohde of Apple Valley, MN, Allan Rohde, Wauwatosa, WI, John Rohde, Colorado Springs, CO, Dale Rohde, Brookfield, WI, Keith Rohde, Maple Grove, MN, Paul Rohde, New Berlin, WI, Christopher Rohde, Milwaukee, WI, and Mark Rohde, Milwaukee, WI, sisters; Elizabeth Sertich, Milwaukee, WI, Linda Sowinski, Mina, SD, and Donna Gagliano, Milwaukee, WI.

Visitation will be from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Thursday, Strickland Funeral Home, prior to the service.

Arrangements by Strickland Funeral Home, Wendell.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jan. 28, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Rohde

25 Entries

April Rohde

January 22, 2023

Tom I can't believe it's been 18 years since you've crossed over. Now our son Bryan is over there with you and so is my mom. I miss you all so very much.

fran doyle

February 24, 2005

Dear April, Bryan, Brandon and all of Tom's family...

I have known Tom for eleven years and I wish I had more hours to share about him, but the events I do remember are lovable and laughable and an unforgetable wiffle ball game at the Richardson's that was priceless...

I save all the new quarters...and on my last visit with Tom at the hospital, after purchasing something that day, I scanned my change as I always do, and saw the newest quarter to come out, that I had not gotten yet...Wisconsin....

Sunshine fades and shadows fall,

but sweet rememberance outlast all.

The memory is as dear today, as in the hour you passed away.

Time takes away the edge of grief, but memory turns back every leaf.

Just a thought of sweet rememberance

Just a memory sad and true.....

Just the love and sweet devotion

from people who often think of you.

The world from year to year,

and friends from day to day..

But never will the ones we love

from memory pass away..........

There is a link death cannot sever, LOVE and REMEMBERANCE last forever..

Mike McCabe

February 20, 2005

I met Tom 11 years ago when I first started working for Pioneer. We had a great working relationship and I truly respected him for his experience and knowledge. When he became our Field Superintendent, I could think of no one better qualified for the position. Tom was a great asset to Pioneer/Leaf Guard. I will miss his spirit of dedication and unique humor.

Anne Theresa Perry

February 19, 2005

To our beloved nephew & family our love & sympathy

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Loralyn DiMuro

February 16, 2005

There isn't a day that goes by that I do not think of Tom. I will never forget the mouse, sign on the back of his truck, or our business trip to Wisconsin. I can still hear him singing, "Roxette". These simple thoughts make me smile; something Tom made me do frequently.

He will always be in my thoughts.

Janeese Schoelzel

February 14, 2005

I don't even know where to begin with Tom. That's why it has taken me sooo darned long to do this, but I feel that I have put it off long enough. April and I have been close friends...pretty much the best of friends for more then 20 yrs. In fact, I may have been there when April and Tom first met when we were still in high school...sophomores, I am sure. We all go so far back, to include Michelle Wells Blunt. She might have been there as well, as we all spent ALOT of time together. We all did sooo much together, sooo many memories together. They ALL have been going off like flash images in my head ever since I found out that Tom Rohde passed from this Earth. The only thing that keeps me from crying my heart out every single passing day were Tom's goofy, unexplainable ways. He could look at you in a goofy way and give you a hard time, but yet you could still see the love in those ways. He was so accepting of everyone and so genuinely kind. When I would call April and hear his silly voice in the background talking about nothing, it was sooo hard not to laugh and poke fun at him. He didn't care, he took it all in stride or had some sort of silly come back. I could go on and on, but I won't. There will ALWAYS be a place in my heart for Tom. He was such a WONDERFUL husband to my friend April and I am glad that they found each other, had Bryan and Brandon, and got to experience sooo much together in life. I hope that April and the boys are finding the strenghth and courage to go on with each passing day.My heart aches for April on this first Valentines Day that she will be going through without him there beside her doing the special things that they did on Valentines Day. Tom will go on in your hearts ALWAYS.

Michelle Wells Blunt

February 11, 2005

April, Bryan and Brandon, I'm not sure I have the words to express what I would like to. Tom the jokester, always making everyone laugh, even when he was poking fun at you, he still made you feel good. Tom the generous one who didn't expect anything in return. So many memories of times past that will be cherished. The husband and father that he was you have been so blessed and because of the person that Tom was you will continue to be blessed. I will never forget Tom Rohde. He made the best friend I will ever have so happy.

Remember the good times, remember to listen to your hearts, listen to the wind and watch the moon always.

I will always love you and be there.

Michelle Wells Blunt

Martha, Teddy, Brandon & Brian Strickland

February 7, 2005

April I had the hardest time thinking of what to write. I was reading everyone’s entries and of course crying on my keyboard. Tom was such a wonderful husband to you, father to Bryan and Brandon and friend to anyone that knew him. I feel my life is truly richer for knowing him. Tom was so understanding in many ways and so giving! We met you and Tom and the boys about 12 years ago and over the years grew closer even though we moved apart in miles. Tom did the vinyl siding and all exterior trim on our home 9 years ago and he didn't make much money at all. He did it because we were friends and Tom did anything for his family and friends! Thanks again Tom, it still looks great. I don't know who we will get to do our next house but I know Tom will be there supervising them! Teddy always picked on Tom and called him a yankee and Tom would call Teddy a redneck (or sometimes April would beat him to it!)but he was the nicest yankee I new! April keep you head held high and know you'll have Tom with you always in your heart! To Tom's family, it was so nice to meet all of you April is lucky to have such a wonderful extended family and I hope to see you all again over the years. Lastly when I was looking at the name at the top of this guest book, I saw meaning in the name THOMAS RHODE and I would like to share it.

Thankful

Honest & honorable

One of a kind

Memorable

Athletic

Sports Fan

Respectful

Open minded

Hardworking

Dedicated

Eve rlasting memories

Well I guess that says it all!

LUV YA!

Janice Rohde

February 7, 2005

I have only been apart of the Rohde family since November of 1991. Lucky for me Tom was able to make it to our wedding. I could tell from the moment that I met him that he had a good heart and was a wonderful father.

Whenever I saw Tom with his family they always seemed so close and happy, something you don't see very often.

He will be missed by all of us, but I hope to see him again someday.

Doug Bogard

February 2, 2005

Tom will always be a part of me. He brought out the best and worst of me. No matter what I did he found it in his heart to forgive me.

I never had a chance to tell him, how special he was to me. I can however show others the kindness, and compassion he showed me.

Sue Rohde

February 2, 2005

It seems like I only knew Tom for a short time, but those years were packed with memories. Even though a thousand miles separated Dale and Tom, they still managed to see each other quite often. I’d like to share with you my earliest memories of Tom.

April 1989. Tom stood up for our wedding. It must have been tough for him to wear a peach-colored bowtie and cumber bund, but he humored me and did it anyways. He stood up with Jean Sekula, the wife of one of his good grade school buddies Pete. Bryan was only 3 months at that time, and it was great for us to be able to welcome him into the family.

May 1990. This was one of our first vacations after getting married. We drove down to Kerrville, and Dean was just 3 months old. Jim brought his boat down so that we could do some water skiing, and Keith joined us. I recall Dean and Bryan snuggled into their lifejackets for boating. I have a picture of Dale and Tom playing horseshoes in the park. And we visited Sea World to see Shamu.

November 1991. Tom and Bryan came to John and Jan’s wedding. The rehearsal dinner was at Tom’s favorite West Allis restaurant – Filippo’s.

November 1992. Dale and I drove to Wendell for Thanksgiving. By that time, Brenda and Brandon had joined our families. I remember that April put the turkey carcass out on the front porch for the neighborhood cats, which Dale and I thought was pretty strange. The weather was decent, and Dale and Tom got to plays hoops in the driveway while 3-year-old Bryan and 2-year-old Dean tried their best to get in their way.

August 1993. Tom and April joined us in Wisconsin for a Rohde campout. I was pregnant with Kyle at the time, and I recall going to bed early and missing all those great ‘growing up’ stories that the Rohde brothers love to tell. After camping, Tom and Dale (well, mostly Tom) sided our West Allis house while the women and kids visited the zoo. Tom has done quite a bit of work on both of our houses, which we really appreciate. Nick and Betty also had a cookout for everyone.

August 1995. All 12 Rohde kids were in Milwaukee to help Dorothy celebrate her 60th birthday. I remember the grandchildren sitting around our kitchen table coloring cards and signs for the birthday party. This trip also coincided with the annual Rohde ski-fest. We spent most of the weekdays at Lake Nagawicka. That’s when April, Jan and I got our lovely smiley shirts. We went boating, had a few beers, played Frisbee with the kids, and chatted under the huge shade trees. What a great way to spend a beautiful summer week!

There were lots of other visits, like Spring Breaks and window installations and 4th of July picnics at Paul & Joni’s. And of course, there was his trip a month ago to Lambeau Field to cheer on his beloved Green Bay Packers. These were wonderful times that we’ll all cherish. I’m so glad I was able to share these past 15 years with Tom. It’s great that our kids got to know each other even though we lived so far apart. We’ll look forward to the visits in the future, because we have a blast every time we’re together and we know that’s what Tom would like. And remember April – you’re the best thing that ever happened to Tom. Although we all mourn his passing, it’s important to celebrate his awesome, fun-filled life.

J.B. Gould

February 2, 2005

The Best. What else is there to say

when it comes to Tom Rohde? The guy was truly special and will be missed immensely.

Melody Weekly

February 1, 2005

My heart goes out to April,the boys and all of Tom's family.I belive Tom will contuine to be there giving the love and support to his family, as he always did. Alot of people go a lifetime without true love and happiness, I am glad April had such a wonderful husband and father for their boys. Tom you will be greatly missed by so many.

April Rohde

February 1, 2005

What can I say about Tom. Words can't even define him. He made us laugh everyday. He loved life. He loved us. We were lucky enough to do alot of traveling and see alot of things. Unfortunately Tom won't see Bryan and Brandon graduate from High School or get married or share their special days, but I know he will be there in spirit. Unfortunately I lost the man of my dreams. Although my heart is extremely sad I can see Tom getting excited about his new adventure, seeing his dad, and hopefully finding a way to let me know he is okay. Tom we miss you and love you so much. April, Bryan, and Brandon Rohde

Tom Bryan and Brandon, just one of many memories of a wonderful man.

Paula Barbour

January 31, 2005

Phoebe Banks

January 31, 2005

To April and the Boys,

May God give you all strength and the will to continue. Be blessed. I will come visit. Phoebe

Tammy Long

January 31, 2005

April, Brian and Brandon,

I will keep all of you'll in my prayers.

DIANA MACKE

January 30, 2005

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO HAVE TOM AS PART OF OUR FAMILY. AND JUST AN HONOR FOR ME TO KNOW HIM. TOM WAS A GREAT HUSBAND, FATHER,PROVIDER AND FRIEND.HIS FAMILY WAS NUMBER ONE WITH HIM. APRIL AND TOM WERE JUST MEANT TO BE. AND THEY BOTH LIVED LIFE TO ITS FULLEST. TOM'S FUNNY SINCE OF HUMOR AND HIS CUTE SMILE JUST GRABBED HOLD OF YOU AND YOU WERE HOOKED FOREVER.IF HE MADE US FEEL THAT WAY YOU CAN JUST IMAGINE HOW MUCH LOVE APRIL MUST OF HAD FOR HIM. I JUST KNOW TOM ROCKED APRIL'S WORLD. THEY HAD SOMETHING THAT NOT EVEN DEATH WILL EVER COME BETWEEN. I KNOW THAT TOM IS WITH GOD AND THAT HE IS SAVING A PLACE FOR ALL HIS LOVED ONES ALONG SIDE HIM. I BELIEVE THAT GOD USES US ALL TO HELP OTHERS. TOM WILL LIVE ON IN ALL OF US. HE HAS TOUCHED SO MANY LIFE'S AND CHANGED SO MANY LIFE'S JUST BY KNOWING HIM.GOD SAY'S LET GO AND HAVE FAITH IN ME BECAUSE I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. TOM YOU WERE ONE OF GODS CHILDREN AND I KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE WITH YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER. YOU WILL LIVE ON HERE IN OUR MEMORIES UNTIL WE SEE YOU AGAIN.I WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SMILE ON MY FACE WHEN I THINK OF YOU. TOM AND APRIL LIVED AS ONE SO LONG THAT I KNOW APRIL WILL ONLY HAVE TO LOOK INTO HER HEART TO FIND HELP FROM TOM WHEN SHE NEEDS IT. THERE HEARTS AND SPRITS ARE AS ONE IN LIFE AND DEATH. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND I WILL ALWAYS BE HERE TO HELP. LOVE AUNT DI.

Paula Jo

January 30, 2005

Tom was a wonderful,wonderful!Brother,I wont say in law,because I

always felt like he was my older brother who always liked to pick on me.( : .Tom has been a part of my life for many,many years,and there has been no other like him. I have always thanked God that my sister had him in her life,and that they had a wonderful life together.I took for grantide he would always be here,and somtimes you dont realize just how much you care and love someone until they are gone.I miss him,and I love him,and I will never ever forget him.What makes me feel better is I know Tom had a wonderful life,terrific friends,and a fantastic family,He had the joy of having a great marriage,and having two boys who he just adored.He was always doing things,and always seemed so happy,so I know Tom had the life of a liftime!

Sandy, Skip, April, and Keith Richardson

January 30, 2005

April, Bryan, and Brandon,

There are no words to express our sorrow. We are so sorry for your loss... This has left a hole in all of our hearts; We loved Tom and we will miss him deeply. Please know that we will be here for you forever. Whenever you need us.. and even when you don't ")

We Love You

Bryan April Brandon Tom 04/2004

January 29, 2005

Tracy Norton

January 28, 2005

I was very sorry to hear that Tom Rohde had passed away. The Urbaniak children went to school with the Rohde family. Our family sends all the members of the Rohde family our condolences and to remember to keep your memories close.

Sincerely,

Tracy Norton (Urbaniak)

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