Joseph Rohrich

Joseph F. Rohrich was born November 8th, 1927 in Yakima, Wa. to Joseph B. and Rose (Weichel) Rohrich. He passed away on November 5, 2013 just a few days short of his 86th birthday. He attended St. Paul Cathedral School, Marquette High School and Gonzaga University. Joe served in the U.S. Navy as a Fireman First Class on board the USS LST’s #495, #131 and #272 out of San Diego. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1946 at the U.S. Naval Base in Bremerton having received a WWII Victory Medal. Joe married Betty Miller on May 5, 1951 and they were blessed with three children. Joe was a lifelong resident of Yakima and worked for a short time as a Singer sewing machine sales and repairman, followed by a long career in sales for Goddard’s Appliance Service, Montgomery Wards, Sears Roebuck and Shultz Furniture. He at one time managed a Wards Catalog Store in Ellensburg and a Goddard’s store in Toppenish. Joe’s interests included photography, hunting and fishing, vacations, going camping, boating and water skiing with friends. He also excelled at building things including cabinets, a boat, a camper and one of the family homes. Joe is survived by his wife of sixty-two years Betty Rohrich, his sons Michael (Jeannette Abhold) and Steven and his daughter Connie Riggle (Gary). He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Teresa (Kevin) Martin, Leann (Matthijs) Mullender, Matthew (Brayde) Willson, Tyler (Jill) Riggle, Casey Riggle, Myriah Robinson, Jayelle Rohrich, and Jadon Rohrich, four great grandchildren; Cameron, Carsten, Carlee Martin, and Tymen Mullender, brother Jim (Dolores) Rohrich of Portland, Or., sisters-in-law Beverly Miller of Yakima and Margaret Holmes of Sioux City, Iowa, aunt Louise Rohrich of Yakima and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents and two sisters Dorothy Calahan Tegen and Gen Lorent. Joe was a devout Catholic his entire life. His faith was strong and steadfast and his family is comforted by the belief that he has gone to “glory” as Joe was telling them in his last days. To honor Joe’s wishes, a memorial service will be held at St. Paul Cathedral Chapel at 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 9, with a private family internment at a later date. A celebration luncheon will be held following services The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Landmark Care Center and Lower Valley Hospice for all the support and kindness. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Yakima Humane Society or a charity of your choice. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Rohrich, please visit our flower store.