William Rohn

William C. Rohn, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, April 06, 2010 at his home. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 11:30 A.M. Friday at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Ave., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Lutheran Laymen's League. Those wishing to sign the Memory Book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr Rohn was born April 15, 1917 in St. Joseph to William C. & Ann (Patzkowsky) Rohn. He was a life-long resident of St. Joseph. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1936 and from Valpariso University in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. On April 3, 1954, he married the former Margaret Ann Roeske in St. Joseph. Bill was employed by Bendix in South Bend during WWII. He was responsible for designing and developing the technology for aircraft armamant used during the war. Bill was awarded Veteran's status by the US Government for his contribution to the war effort. He was later employed by Whirlpool and then Leco Corp before Bill and his friend Eugene Milnikel purchased Wolverine Metal Stamping in Benton Harbor/St. Joseph in 1967. Bill retired in 1999 after 32 years. He was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church where he filled many positions over the years, a long-time member of Lutheran Laymen's League, a member for nearly 60 years of St. Joseph Lions Club, and Toastmasters. Bill was an inquisitive man who loved to take things apart to find the problem, then put it back together, better than before. Over his career, Bill had numerous patents to his credit. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying, at one time having his own plane. Bill also enjoyed hunting, fishing, being out of doors enjoying nature, spending winters in Florida, and most of all spending time with his family. Bill is survived by his daughter Naomi Hettig of St. Joseph; his granddaughter Heather (Adam) Bhatti of St. Joseph; his great grandson Ami Bhatti; and his canine companion Cookie. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret on September 6, 2005.