Roger B. Rohde

Roger Buchner Rohde, 67, passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday morning, November 10th, 2014 at Suncoast Hospice in Pinellas Park, FL. He endured a 12+ week hospital stay but ultimately suffered from acute respiratory failure. Roger was born in Waukesha, WI on June 4th, 1947 to Dorris J. Rohde and Victor. Rohde. He is survived by his mother, 93, with whom he shared a home with in Seminole, FL, his sister, Karen Simmons along with her husband, Marcus Simmons, both of Southfield, MI, his brother, Keith and daughter-in-law, Lori, both of Seminole, FL, his Son, Wesley and Son-in-law, Peter Helmer, both of Clearwater, FL, his ex-wives Janet Thomas of Pawnee, IL and Cindy House of St. Petersburg, FL along with several extended family members whom reside locally in Florida as-well-as in Michigan. Roger graduated from Seminole High School in 1965 then obtained a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida in Business Administration in the years after. Roger served his country overseas in Vietnam as an Army Sergeant from 1969 to 1971 with an early honorable discharge due to combat related injuries. He worked at Home Federal Savings and Loan in St. Petersburg in several capacities for many years eventually advancing up the ranks then transitioning to Smith-Barney Investments as an Institutional Bond Trader. He spent a brief period of time in a similar position at Raymond James Financial before retiring at age 45 to Lake Panasoffkee. After spending several years in Central Florida he returned home to Seminole in 2004 to attend to his Mom's needs and affairs and to live with her to keep her company. Roger enjoyed several leisurely activities over the years but all paled in comparison to his love of boating, drinking, smoking and general carousing. He was known as Uncle Roger, Jolly Roger and Captain Roger to many. He surrounded himself with many people over the years that shared with him and benefited from what he loved to do. His last couple decades of life found him becoming more introverted and realizing quality over quantity of people he wanted to be with. He lived with and cared for his Mom the last decade. He wasn't always the easiest to live with but he did what was right for hernd always made sure he took the best care of her that he could. He was a loving father to his Son, Wes, and always looked forward to his visits to hang out at the house and play pinball together. He had a big heart but he wasn't perfect either, and at times was his own worst enemy, but he was always there for the people that mattered most in his life. May everyone have peace in knowing his suffering has ended and he is now with the folks that have moved from this life to the afterlife. Graveside services will be held Monday, November 24th at 10:45am at BayPines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL. Donations in Roger's name may be sent to a charity of choice benefiting Suncoast Hospice, The American Lung Association or the National Kidney Foundation.