Wilbert Rohrbach, 83, Ellendale, N.D., was born Aug. 15, 1929, to Wilhelm and Magdelena (Schaffer) Rohrbach, rural Long Lake, S.D. After his education at country school, he worked on his father's farm and other area farms. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, stationed in Kaiserslauten, Germany. There, he met Karsje "Jennie" Loots in Amsterdam, Holland, and were married March 3, 1956, in Germany. In 1956, Wilbert was honorably discharged and they moved back to the family farm, where they farmed a short time. They moved to Arcater, Calif., in 1957, where Wilbert worked for Rodescraft Sawmill until 1962. He returned to Long Lake and purchased the family farm in 1962, farming until 1965. After his parents passed away, they bought a farm north of Ellendale and farmed until 1968. Later, Wilbert bought their farm south of Forbes, N.D. There, he farmed until his retirement in 1989, when he moved to Ellendale, where he made his home until his death May 23, 2013.
Wilbert was a true farmer, loving the land and being outdoors. He loved raising cattle, pigs, gardening and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and fixing things. He was a lifetime member of Ellendale American Legion and enjoyed being with friends and telling stories. Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife: Jennie Rohrbach, Ellendale, N.D.; four children: Jack Rohrbach, Minneapolis, Minn., Virginia Seidel, Williston, N.D., Dan Rohrbach, Warner, S.D., Marge Rohrbach, Ellendale, N.D.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four brothers: Reuben Rohrbach, Fall River Mills, Calif., Gary (Barbara) Rohrbach, Eureka, Calif., Gerald Rohrbach, Ipswich, S.D., and Eugene (Betty) Rohrbach, Ariska, N.D.; two sisters: Arlene (Hank) Botkin, Medford, Ore., and Shirley (Larry) Schumacker-Thurn, Ashley, N.D. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Herbert, Paul, Alvin, Allen, Art; three sisters: Adeline, Donna, Ellatina; and six infant siblings.
The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Church of the Nazarene, Ellendale, with Pastor Tim Brown officiating. Visitation: one hour prior to services at the church, with military honors at Ellendale City Cemetery following.
Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.
hovenfuneralchapel.com