The funeral service celebrating the Christian life of Vernon R. Rohrbach, 86, of Ipswich, will be at 3:00 PM Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church located in Gramm Funeral Home, 720 N. 6th Street, in Ipswich. Burial will follow at the Ipswich City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

In accordance with CDC recommendations the wearing of masks and distancing is encouraged.

Vernon was born April 10, 1934 to Karl and Frieda (Hamilton) Rohrbach at Hosmer, SD.  As a youngster his family moved often between California and South Dakota.  Vernon married Gladys Wolff on July 15, 1956 in Aberdeen, SD.  They made their first home in Aberdeen where Vernon worked as a mechanic and as a craftsman helping to build Presentation College.

They soon found themselves moving to Ipswich, SD where Vernon worked as an auto mechanic.  Vernon and Gladys raised their family in Ipswich and together instilled a Christian value of giving in their children.  Vernon led by example, putting others needs first. He volunteered his time helping to build Zion Lutheran Church where he also served on the church council, recorded services for the shut-ins and drove those who needed a ride to church.  Even a simple “thank you” was more than Vernon expected or desired. He only wanted to serve the Lord in any way that he could.

Vernon retired from his career in the mid 90’s after heart surgery from volunteering with church activities to using his riding mower, he was always busy.  He was even chopping down trees for the winter firewood.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and relaxing while sharing his musical abilities playing his harmonica.

Vernon was called Home by his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center. 

Thankful for having shared in his life are his wife of 64 years, Gladys of Ipswich; son, John Rohrbach of Los Angeles, CA; daughter, Donna (Joe) Wempe of Austin, TX; brothers, Melvin (LaVonne) Rohrbach of Bowdle, SD and LeRoy (June) Rohrbach of Chandler, AZ; sister, Delena (Arnie) Schumacher of Pierre, SD; three grandchildren, Ben, Kyle and Luke Wempe and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Carl and an infant brother, Milbert.

Condolences and memories may be shared with his family and flowers ordered at grammfuneralhome.com