Frank J. Rohr's Obituary
Frank J. Rohr, 88 yrs., of Columbia, IL, passed away at Columbia Rehab. and Nursing Center, Columbia, IL. He was born in East St. Louis, IL, son of the late Armond Jules and Beulah Belle, nee Lant, Rohr.
Frank was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL. He enlisted in the United States Maritime Service at age 16, and traveled the world until December of 1945. Upon his return, he immediately became a railroad worker, where he was employed until he entered the Army in 1950. When he received his discharge from the Army, he went back to work for the railroad for a short time, and began attending McKendree College. He graduated from McKendree with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology in 1957. He accepted a job with Alcoa, where he worked as a research staff technician until his retirement.
He met Betty Bouas on a blind date on New Year's Eve, 1950. Frank and Betty had a long distance courtship, as Frank was just a few months into his enlistment in the Army. They married on May 19, 1953 in Grand Prairie, TX, and lived in Belleville, IL, until Alcoa transferred him to its Pittsburgh, PA facility in 1976. They lived in Greenburg, PA, until another transfer took them to Benton AR in 1986. They returned closer to their roots upon Frank's retirement in 1994, when they moved to Columbia, IL, just a short distance from both of their children. Frank was a longstanding member of the Westminister Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL, where he served in various leadership capacities. He was one of a group who was awarded a patent for a high quality mortar for bonding brick. He coached his children's baseball and softball teams, and was a Cub Scout pack leader. He was a voracious reader, devouring 6 books per week at his peak. He had an avid interest in current events, and always had an opinion on the issues of the day. Frank was a godly man, devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was patient, kind, and generous. His favorite activities were family reunions.
Services
At Frank's request, there will be no public services
Memorial Contribution Suggestions
As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to: The Kemmerer Village, 941 N. 2500 East Road, Assumption, IL 62510-9706. Kemmerer Village is a Presbyterian Child Care Agency providing residential care for children facing stress and turmoil in their lives.
Survivors
Beloved wife of 63 years, Betty J., nee Bouas, Rohr of Columbia, ILSon, Mark (Terry) RohrDaughter, Peggy (Michael) Ray of Columbia, ILGrandsons, Alex and Aaron RohrGranddaughters, Angela Bergman and Kelly WalshOther relatives and friends
Also Preceded In Death By
Brothers, Charles Rohr and Otis RohrSisters, Rosemary Smutney and Delores Blue
What’s your fondest memory of Frank?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frank?
Share a story where Frank's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frank you’ll never forget.
How did Frank make you smile?