James Edward Rohde, Sr

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James Edward Rohde, Sr., 82, of Fayetteville, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

Jim, as he was known, was born in La Grange on Aug. 31, 1936, the son of Elo and Agnes (Mynar) Rohde. He married the love of his life, Rose Marie (Baca) Rohde at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville on August 17, 1958.

After high school, he graduated from Blinn College. Jim then transferred to the University of Texas for a year, where he was a member of the UT Longhorn Marching Band. He enjoyed returning to Austin every year for the Alumni Band Day, where he would play during the halftime show. After UT, he worked in the forestry department in Idaho fighting fires. He concluded his education at the University of Houston earning his bachelor’s degree.. After graduation, he worked for the Texas Hwy Dept–Right of Way Division in Houston. He then started his own real estate appraising company and continued this profession until his passing. During this time he returned to Blinn to teach real estate classes.

Jim served his country in the US Navy Reserve.

He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – Corral Club, a participant of the family BBQ team, BBQ judge for the Fayette County Fair, and Fayetteville School Board. Jim was also a member of the Fayetteville Czech dancers club and a member of SPJST Lodge 88. He also had his own polka band called the “Jim Rohde Band”.

His many hobbies included playing golf; playing fast pitch softball and basketball until the age of 55 years old; playing the German card game Skat; but most importantly, Jim valued spending quality time with his family. He enjoyed travelling with Rose and his family. The many ski trips to New Mexico and Colorado provided many memories to the family and those that traveled with him.

He is survived by his wife, Rose, of sixty years; three daughters: Shannan Marie Gerik and husband, Thomas, of Columbus; Rhonda “Kim” Kovar and husband, Randy, of La Grange; Roxane Hartley and husband, Doak, of Columbus; one son, James “Jimmy” Rohde, Jr. and wife, Donna, of La Grange; one sister, Jane Brugh and husband, Randy, of Columbus; one brother, Tom Rohde and wife, Bonnie, of Fayetteville; nine grandchildren: Jaime Gerik and fiancé, Kevin Cutler; Robyn Ulrich and husband, Travis; Jenna Holt and husband, Padon; Ross Kovar; Tyler Gerik, Parrie Hartley; Heather Hartley; Harley Rohde and Marissa Rohde; six great-grandchildren: Everett, Kyle Rose, Walker and Truitt Ulrich, and Harper and Claire Holt; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John R. and Marie Baca.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

A memorial mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 205 E. Bell St., Fayetteville, at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 N. Jefferson, La Grange, Texas 78945; St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, P.O. Box 57, Fayetteville, Texas 78940; Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 32, Fayetteville, Texas 78940, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at

www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in

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Fayette County Record

127 S. Washington St.
P.O. Box 400
La Grange, TX 78945
Ph: (979) 968-3155
Fx: (979) 968-6767