Richard Leroy Rohrig

Richard was born January 18th, 1933 in Friend Nebraska. He was the third child of John and Hulda Rohrig. His other siblings are Althea, Melody (Irma), Everett, and Nancy. He grew up on a farm in rural Friend Nebraska, and attended school in Friend. He was active in High School participating in Boy's Glee Club, Mixed Chorus, football, and Basketball. He graduated High School in 1950.
Richard was drafted into the Military January 19, 1951. He was eventually assigned to the 1st Armored Division Artillery as a survey specialist. Richard was discharged from active duty in 1955 and returned to the farm in Friend. Recognizing that there was not enough land to farm, and having a strong will of his own, He left Friend Nebraska and went to Colorado to attend Emily Griffith Opportunity School. He graduated with an Air Craft, Airframe & Power Plant license in 1959. Richard was a Corporal when he was discharged from active duty 1955, and officially Honorably discharged May 25th, 1961.

Richard attained a job at Frontier Airlines in October 1958. Over the years Richard became heavily involved in None Destructive Testing (NDT) maintaining radiography license till He retired. He supervised all aspects of NDT operations. After Frontier went bankrupt, Continental Airlines absorbed all Frontiers assets including Richard November 15th 1986. Richard became a valued leader in NDT over 38 years of service. Towards the end of his career He was involved with the Air Transport Association annual conferences that establish Regulation and Policy for NDT. Richard retired from Continental Airlines in 1995. Although it was clear what a valued person he was in the Airlines, work rarely followed him home. Family at home was more important than work life.

Richard met Lavon Smith in 1957 from an introduction from Everett's (brother) Wife Charlotte, and were married August 8th 1958. The two were married in Altura Lutheran Church in Aurora Colorado. Altura Lutheran Church eventually became Bethel Lutheran Church. Richard and Lavon were faithful Bethel Lutheran Church participants from the beginning. Richard exemplified a committed relationship with the lord and shared that with community of Bethel for over 60 years. During the early years Richard and Lavon were involved with the Luther League at Bethel accompanying many outings. After his retirement he spent a considerable amount of time with the Bethel Preschool.
In 1959 Richard and Lavon had their first child Keith, followed by Bruce in 1961, and Kim in 1966. Richard was a FIRM loving Father, firm as in there are two ways to do things His Way, i.e. the right way, and return to his way. Over the early years of his children, Richard sported a handlebar mustache which is great conversation topic today.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman and many vacations were in the outdoors. Some vacation highlights include trips to Florida, New Mexico, California, Washington, Japan, and Hawaii. There were many camping trips with family and friends which included fishing, hiking, and Mountain Climbing. Some of the peaks tamed by Richard were Mt Elbert, Mt Bierstadt, Longs, Gray's, and Torres peaks. all above 14,000 ft. Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp was an often visited place, and held a special place in his heart. Richard was involved in Boy Scouts when Keith and Bruce were involved and accompanied a trip to the Grand Canyon, to hike rim to rim to rim. Bicycling became a passion, and rode a bicycle to Friend Nebraska with Keith and cousin Darla. Over the years a boat was added to the outdoor festivities, waterskiing with family and friends was enjoyed by all. For many years Richard and Lavon, and their children enjoyed square dancing with a diverse group of friends.
Richard had a great love, of photography over the years. He shot a great many photos of scenery on vacations, as well as his favorite daughter. One of his other passions over the years was a love of sports, all sports but especially the Denver Broncos. There were many very quiet afternoons after a Bronco loss.

The Children eventually moved on and each were married. Kim married Gary in Feb 1986, Bruce married Julie in May 1986, and finally Keith to Jane in September 1993. Richard very much very much enjoyed the success of his children and added encouragement during times of disappointments and failures. He was very happy when seven Grandchildren became part of his life. Brandon, Jamie, Kelsey, Garrett, Malia, Christopher and Mikaela will sorely miss Grandpa Rohrig. Although He was not able to witness any grandchildren marriages, or see his great granddaughter Freya, they can be assured that his presence will be with him.

Richard lost his faithful partner of 52 years and that weighed heavily on him. He remained attentive to his Children, Grand Children and blessed them as he was able. Thankfully he was welcomed home to a new place already prepared for him. What a beautiful thing to see his life presence in so many different friends and family.

Richard very much appreciated the interactions with his Church Family from Bethel, Friends, and Family. Special thanks to his two primary care givers, Cherise, and Janine, that sustained a loving, caring atmosphere for people to interact with Richard. The celebration of Richards life should be an inspiration to all he touched until we shall meet again.
Don't cry because it is over-----

Smile because it happened!!



Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church at http://bethelaurora.org/.

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