Donnel "Don" E. Rohde

Donnel (Don) E. Rohde of Emerson passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at the age of 92.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Emerson, NE. Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., with the family present at 6:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the funeral home.Don was born on July 11, 1924 in Sioux City, IA to Edward and Alvina (Harrigfeld) Rohde. He grew up on the family homestead in rural Emerson with his three brothers and one sister. Don attended Oakdale District #42 Country School for nine years and graduated from Homer, NE High School in 1943. Don married Maxine Johnson on August 10, 1947 in Sioux City, IA. To this union two children were born, Janet Maxine and Dennis Don.Don spent his entire life farming. When Don was no longer able to run the large machinery, he enjoyed sitting in his pickup with his dog, Molly watching his son, Dennis farm during planting and harvesting. His joys in life were Oliver tractors, his pet cats and dog, Molly, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and watching sports. During high school, Don was a running back for the Homer football team. He was also captain of the football team and was crowned Homecoming King his senior year. In 11th grade, Don started dating Maxine Johnson, the love of his life. After their marriage, they made their home on the Rohde Homestead, which is 125 years old.Don was a school board member for Oakdale District #42 and an Emerson-Hubbard School board member for 6 years. Don was a very active member in the Homer United Methodist Church. In 1991, Don and Maxine were recognized at the Dakota County Fair with a Century Farm honor and plaque for the homestead farm being in the Rohde family for over 100 years.Maxine passed away on February 4, 2003, and his daughter, Janet passed away on August 31, 2007.Don is survived by his son, Dennis (Beth) Rohde of Emerson; son-in-law, Dennis Koopman of Emerson; 4 grandchildren, Jason (Kris) Rohde of Omaha, Jill (Rob) Maise of Hubbard, Jaclyn Anderson of Emerson and Kristin (Chad) Rachuy of South Sioux City; 9 great-grandchildren, Gavin and Harrison Rohde, Isabella, Makenna, Braeden and Bailey Maise, Alexander Anderson and Camdyn Tuttle, Kyler Rachuy; sisters-in-law, Mary Rohde and Nina Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.Don was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; his daughter, Janet; his parents, Edward and Alvina Rohde; 3 brothers, Darrel, Eugene and twin brother, Daniel; sister Phyllis and 2 infant sisters.