Obituary of Donald Rohe

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, Poppy, Uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend - Don Rohe. He passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. After struggling several years with lung disease, the family was supported by hospice as they cared for him at home. We will miss his hearty laugh and his storytelling but mostly his love and support. Donald J. Rohe Jr. was born in Michigan on February 4, 1925 to Don and Lois Rohe. Don and his sister Marnie lived in Ohio with their parents until their mother passed away. In 1940, the family moved to Los Angeles, California which became their home. Don attend both Santa Monica and St. Monica's high school before he entered the Air Force in 1943. After an honorable discharge, Don began working for North American Aviation. It was there in 1952 that he met Avonelle who had also come to California by way of Ohio. They married in 1955. Don took a position with the Rocketdyne division in Quality control bringing them to Canoga Park/West Hills which became their permanent home. Mary Lois was born in 1962 and together they spent time with their family and wonderful neighbors. Don worked for Rocketdyne for 40 years before retiring. He then began working at his golf game. He enjoyed meeting his fellow retirees at the various golf courses they played. He also enjoyed traveling with Avonelle -cruising and touring all over the world. Don welcomed Phil into the family and was a proud father of the bride on Mary and Phil's wedding day in 1989. Don became Poppy to Krista in 1993 and Amanda in 1995. He enjoyed his new role by literally "rolling" around on the floor with his granddaughters - they could do no wrong and they could have anything they wanted. Sadly, Amanda passed suddenly in 2003 and Don became one of the biggest supporters of The Amanda McPherson Foundation. Don was extremely proud of Krista and her success in academics. He was proud to be a USC Trojan grandfather. Don struggled in recent years with lung disease making it difficult for him to get around. Being a true Depression survivor, Don never complained and always said he felt fine. He was famous for saying, "great, great...everything's great". Don was known for his storytelling. He had met so many interesting people and had seen so many interesting places, he had a story for every situation. Although Avonelle and Mary had heard every story multiple times, Don could always find someone new to share a story with. Don loved to go out to eat even though Avonelle loved to cook and was a great cook. At every restaurant, Don seemed to pick out a busboy or special server that he would slip a small tip to - always folded neatly in his hand. All the restaurants that Don frequented knew him and loved him. Don loved to play golf until he was unable to get around and then he loved to watch and talk about golf. Don was an avid reader and always had a book on order at the library. Don loved the view from his patio - many family gatherings and quiet times were spent watching over the Valley that had been his home. Don had a hearty laugh and that is probably what we will miss the most. Don is survived by his wife, Avonelle, his daughter Mary Lois (Phil) McPherson, his granddaughter, Krista and his wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved sister Marnie and his granddaughter Amanda. The family would like to thank Providence Trinity Hospice, his nurse Nicole, his aides Marian and Mario for all their support. We feel blessed with their support and the support of all our friends. Memorial services will be held Friday March 21, 2014 at 11:00 am at Rose Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to The Amanda McPherson Foundation, www.amandamcphersonfoundation.org.