Wilbert Rohrbach

Wilbert Rohrbach, 83 of Ellendale, ND was born August 15, 1929 to Wilhelm and Magdelena (Schaffer) Rohrbach in Rural Long Lake, SD. After his education at country school, he worked on his father’s farm and other area farms. In 1952 he enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. There he met Karsje “Jennie” Loots in Amsterdam, Holland and they were married March 3, 1956 in Germany. In 1956 Wilbert was honorably discharged and they moved back to the family farm at Long Lake and farmed for a short time. They moved to Arcata, CA 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 where he farmed until 1968. Later Wilbert bought their farm south of Forbes ND. 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 for other people. He was a lifetime member of Ellendale American Legion where he enjoyed being with friends and telling stories. Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife: Jennie Rohrbach, Ellendale, ND; four children: Jack Rohrbach, Minneapolis, MN, Virginia Seidel, Williston, ND, Dan Rohrbach, Warner, SD, Marge Rohrbach, Ellendale, ND; eight grandchildren: Dustin, McLead, VA, Cody (Lisa), Colorado Springs, CO, Tasha (Kelly), Edgeley, ND, Alisha (Dustin), Pierre, SD, Kayla (David), Ellendale, ND, Brandon, Battle Lake, MN, Brittany (Tony), Buffalo, SD, Casey, Pierre, SD; two great grandchildren: Ava and Denton; four brothers: Reuben Rohrbach, Fall River Mills, CA, Gary (Barbara) Rohrbach, Eureka, CA, Gerald Rohrbach, Ipswich, SD; Eugene (Betty) Rohrbach, Ariska, ND; two sisters: Arlene (Hank) Botkin, Medford, OR and Shirley (Larry) Schumacker-Thurn, Ashley, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents Wilhelm and Magdalena; five brothers: Herbert, Paul, Alvin, Allen Art, three sisters Adeline, Donna, Ellatina and six infant siblings. The funeral service is 10:30am Wednesday, May 29 at Church of the Nazarene, Ellendale with Pastor Tim Brown officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church with Military Honors at the Ellendale City Cemetery following. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel.