Earl Dennis Rohde

Earl D. Rohde of Big Bend, WI, passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 86.

Earl was born on July 10, 1939, to Charles and Dorothy Rohde (née Russell) at home in Westmont, IL. He grew up on the outskirts of Chicago and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960, spending part of his service stationed in Korea. While in the Army, he once shared a mess hall with Elvis Presley—along with, as he liked to say, “about 1,000 other guys.”

After leaving the Army, Earl worked as a meat cutter for the Jewel Tea Company. On October 21, 1961, he married Margaret “Marge” Ciosek, whom he had met on a blind date the previous year. They soon made their home in Rolling Meadows, IL, where they lived until 1973.

When Jewel Foods expanded into Wisconsin in 1973, Earl and Marge relocated to Big Bend, where they have lived ever since. After Jewel left Wisconsin in the early 1980s, Earl continued his career at Randall’s County Market in Racine and later at several other grocery stores, including McAdams’ Pick ‘n Save in Mukwonago. Following his years as a meat cutter, he enjoyed a variety of part-time jobs, including working as a starter at Morningstar Golfers Club.

Earl loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer—proud to have scored a hole-in-one during his lifetime. He also enjoyed tending his garden and feeding the neighborhood birds and squirrels. He discovered syrup-making during a fishing trip to Canada. Each spring, he tapped the maple trees in his yard and those of his neighbors to make his own syrup to share with friends and family.

He was able to cross one item off his bucket list when he panned for gold during an excursion on an Alaskan cruise. Earl lived a long, full life and loved sharing his many stories, including his childhood memory of being invited into a neighbor’s house to see television for the first time.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald; and two sons who died in infancy, William and Thomas.

Earl is survived by his wife, Marge; his brother, Robert (Karen); and his children, Wayne (Maria Luisa) of Alexandria, VA; Kim Cyra (Tim) of Eagle, WI; and Paul (Bethany) of Muskego, WI. He adored his grandchildren—Matthew Cyra, Abigail Cyra, Chase Rohde, and Logan Rohde—teaching them cribbage and attending their athletic competitions or musical performances.

Earl took great pride in his family and all they achieved. A beloved hunting buddy, caring neighbor, and true friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.