Robert James Rommel

Robert “Bob” James Rommel died unexpectedly on July 4, 2016 in Portland, Oregon at the age of 68. Bob was born on July 10, 1947 in Portland, Oregon to Robert F. and Audrey (Northcraft) Rommel. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1965. He was drafted to the armed forces and was stationed in Okinawa Japan and in Alabama. He married Cheryl Paxton in 1968. He attended Portland Community College and graduated from Portland State University with a degree in management in 1978 and a bachelor degree in law enforcement in 1981. After moving to Beaverton, Oregon, Bob began working for Pacific NW Bell as a technician and retired from Qwest 2004. The couple welcomed 2 children into their home and Bob and was very involved in his son’s sports activities, notably baseball, and his daughter’s interest in showing horses and serving as rodeo queen. His children remember him as a kind, gentle and patient father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Bob was active and loved sports and to travel. He was a fan of the Portland Trail Blazers and Oregon Ducks. He spent many years refereeing volleyball and basketball and umpiring baseball at all levels. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and would be busy year round supporting his grandkids. You would see him at many of Cody’s football and basketball games. He would watch Lane play his cello in this orchestra concerts and attend his football games. Hudson and Carson would keep him busy with their soccer and baseball games. He loved golf and joined the Rock Creek Country Club where he met Judy. He was an avid golfer and it would not be uncommon to see him on the golf course in the winter, in the rain. In 2009, he was the RCCC Seniors Club champion. In 2012 he won the 2012 RCCC Ironman award, which was awarded to person who played the most rounds of gold in a year. He would travel all over the west to play golf. He would travel Pebble Beach Golf Course and caddy for the US Open. He was an active and dedicated member of over 40 years of the St. Pius X church and often volunteered with the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent DePaul. Bob is survived by his partner Judy Jewett of Portland, Oregon. Daughter Christin Jeffries of Gaston, Oregon. Son Scott (Iliana) Rommel of Tigard, Oregon. Grandchildren Cody Jeffries, Lane Jeffries, Hudson Rommel and Carson Rommel. Siblings Deborah (Gary) Keller and Kenneth (Dawn) Rommel, both of Milwaukie, Oregon. Aunt Susan Kendall of Marysville, Washington. Brother in law Ron (Nancy) Paxton of Longview, Washington and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife Cheryl Rommel and parents Robert and Audrey Rommel. A funeral is scheduled for 11:00am July 21, 2016 at St. Pius X church with a reception to follow. Military funeral honors interment is scheduled for 3:00pm July 21, 2016 at Willamette National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Pius X Knights of Columbus, c/o Neil Stoneberg, Financial Secretary, at 11950 NW Blackhawk Drive, Portland, OR 97229.