Emil Edward Rohland

Rohland, Emil Edward

Emil Edward Rohland of Withee, WI, died peacefully at his home Wednesday, April 22, 2015, with his family by his side.

Emil was born on February 14, 1925, in a log home in Withee, WI. He attended White Country School, (Hixon Township), Withee High School and was a graduate of Private Pilot Ground School. Emil also enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1943, where he served as a turret gunner on a B-17 and B-29 during WW II. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Emil was a dedicated farmer for many years. His other employment included Redville Dairy (Withee), Coil Craft (Chicago) Master Package (Owen) and was treasurer at North Central Dairy (Owen). Emil was a board member for Central Farm Management and Town of Hixon. He was also a representative for Pure Milk Products.

Emil and Shirley attended Alliance Community Church, Withee.

Emil had a great outgoing personality. Making new friendships came easily and no one was a stranger to him very long. He was very admired and respected, a gentleman in the true sense of the word.

Emil's favorite pastime was playing cards (dirty clubs) with his son and sons-in-law.

He reminded them often he was their teacher and enjoyed watching them lose. Emil was an official member of their "liars club".

Playing ball with his dog Tag and entertaining Casey his cat was a favorite daily routine of Emil's. He also enjoyed listening to polka music, playing accordion, harmonica, and organ all by ear.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley; his children, Dennis (Helen) Rohland, Louise (Donald) Luedke, Judy (late Ron) West, Darcy (Robert) Ciszewski, Mel Rohland, Brenda Spath, Scott (Hope) Rohland and Jeff Rohland; his 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Emil is also survived by sisters, Emily Fijalkiewicz, Elsie Petke and brother Edmond Rohland.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents, John and Caroline (Klabon) Rohland; his siblings Julius, Henry, Fred, Otto, Albert, Rhinehart "Buster"; and his siblings who died in infancy, Adolph, Emma, Otilia, Frieda; his brothers-in-law, George Fijalkiewicz, Ted Petke; his foster son, Jerry Roberts and grandson, Jim West.

Arrangements pending with Chippewa Valley Cremation Services.