John Rohrer, Jr.

Rev John Rohrer, Jr. was born on February 23, 1930 to Kathryn (Muth) and John Rohrer, Sr. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He was the first-born of seven children during the time the country was still in the throes of The Great Depression.  He learned a strong work ethic when at age 16 he went to work full-time to help support his family.  John found work at a local moving company before realizing his knack with electric engine repair.  He worked for Wagner Electric and was employed there for several years.

In 1949 he married his childhood sweetheart, Sue Carol (Alexander) and his first child Nancy Sue was born in 1951.  That family unit was changed when God called Sue to heaven and John was a widower at age 23.  Having been raised from  early childhood to attend church, the family found their spiritual compass at Bethel Tabernacle Assembly of God in Milwaukee.  It was there he found love again and a mother for his infant daughter.  On November 8, 1952 John married Ramona Ann (Stahl), his soulmate and life-long partner in ministry for over 65 years.  John responded to the call of God on his life to enter full-time ministry and in 1954 he, Ramona, and Nancy moved to Springfield, Missouri to attend Central Bible College.  While there they became a family of four with the birth of their son Andy.  The family returned to Milwaukee in 1957 and John began his pastoral career at Bay View Assembly of God Church.  His years with that congregation would make them a family of six with the births of daughters Becky and Rachel.  Over the next 36 years John would go on to serve congregations at Christian Assembly, Wausau, WI; Racine Assembly of God, Racine, WI; and Community Assembly of God, Milwaukee, WI.

For many years beginning in the early 1960s John’s day-off was to travel to Waupaca, WI. to build a house for his in-laws, Jacob and Elizabeth Stahl.  His inquisitive mind, electrical knowledge and desire to have a home at Spencer Lake were his motivation.  To that house John and Mona retired in 1993.

In retirement John kept busy building things and helping friends and neighbors with whatever he could do for them.  That is how he lived his life until suffering a stroke two years ago.  In early 2017 influenza forced a cascade of declining health issues requiring their relocation to Park Vista “The Legacy” in Waupaca, WI, where John died peacefully on December 18th  at the age of 87 with beloved family around him as he met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the place he longed to be for so many months.  He entered his eternal home in time to spend Christmas with Jesus.

Missing him dearly are his beloved wife Ramona; children Nancy (Gerry) Mathisen, Andy (Pat) Rohrer, Rebecca Rohrer, and Rachel Girolimon; grandchildren Brock (Maria) Brandenburg, Jacob (Angie) Rohrer, Peter (Sabrina) Rohrer, Zachary (Nicole) Rohrer, John Girolimon, and Kimberly Girolimon; great-grandchildren Blake and Lily Sue Brandenburg; siblings June Weber, Faith (John) Ernst, Dianne (Jack) Marquardt, and Daniel Rohrer; sister-in-law Pat (Harold) Redlich; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John rejoined his parents and in-laws; siblings James Rohrer and Richard Rohrer; Sue Carol Rohrer; sons-in-law Jim Ganoung and Mike Girolimon; infant granddaughter Angella Sue Brandenburg; infant great-granddaughter Mikayla Theresa Brandenburg; and many beloved family and dear friends already enjoying the presence of their redeemer, Jesus Christ.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at First Assembly of God Church, 1420 Berlin Street, Waupaca, WI  54981 on Wednesday, December 27th at 1 p.m. with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

Ramona and family want to express our most sincere thanks and appreciation to Laurie Kettlewell and her entire staff at Park Vista “The Legacy”  for the excellent care and support shown  John over the past seven months. In the final weeks of his life, Maria and Paula of Theda Care At Home Hospice were there to that final day.  All of these health care professionals were tender and compassionate to John.  Thank you to Pastor  Cliff and Cindy Cameron for their faithfulness in ministry to John and the many friends and relatives whose visits meant so much to him.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
                                                       Philippians 1:21


A memorial fund has been established with Spencer Lake Christian Center.  Please make checks payable to Spencer Lake  Christian Center indicating on the memo line it is for the Brick project/John Rohrer memorial.  Spencer Lake Christian Center, N1365 County Hwy E, Waupaca, WI   54981
 

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