Lenn Rohde

Lenn N. Rohde died on October 22, 2023 at his home in Neshkoro, WI. He was born on April 30, 1939 to Norman C. and Florence C (Poch) Rohde in Milwaukee. The family moved to Grand Rapids, MI and later PeeWee Valley, KY, where he graduated from Oldham County High School in 1957. Lenn served in the Army Reserves from1960-1965. At the age of 14 while skinning a rabbit at home, he met the love of his life when his parents invited the Heim family over for a picnic. He looked up and saw a long-legged girl with a high ponytail getting out of the car. He knew then that Betty was the girl he wanted to marry. Lenn and Betty were married on September 10, 1960 at Holy Name Catholic Church, Louisville, KY. Shortly after, the couple moved back to Wisconsin and settled first in West Bend and then the Allenton area where they raised their three children. In the early 1960s Lenn worked as a mechanic in Milwaukee and during that time was mentored by Art Lonergan, a West Bend naturalist, and learned about trees native to Wisconsin. In 1965 Lenn started Rohde’s Nursery, selling trees wholesale in the area. He also landscaped many homes and businesses in the West Bend area, using natural landscape designs with native trees and plant material. During the energy crisis in the 1970s, Lenn started Silver Star Corp, manufacturing woodburning stove add-ons and eventually utility trailers while still maintaining his nursery business. In 1961 Lenn and Betty purchased “The Farm” in Neshkoro. This was where Lenn dug truckloads of Birch, pine, maple, tamarack and other native trees, using them for his landscaping jobs and selling wholesale across Wisconsin. The Farm was also the weekend destination for the family and many friends for gathering to hunt, bonfires, hayrides in the woods and many other activities. Lenn always referred to The Farm as God’s Country. In 1984 The Farm became their home and Lenn continued the nursery until his health declined in recent years. Lenn was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty who died on April 26, 2021; his parents; in-laws, Leo and Alberta Heim; his grandson, Justin; his sister, Johanna Rohde; and brother-in-law, Ronald Heim. Survivors include his children Denise (Warren) Rate, Teri (Tom) Vogt, and Dane Rohde; his grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren Kyle (Nicole) Rate and their children Lucas, Lucy, Claire, Simon and Austin; Cameron (Holly) Rate and their daughter, Carolyn; Nicole (Ray) Crego and their children Theodore and Brooke; Cheyenne Vogt and her daughter Jennifer; Shawn Rohde and his son Jackson and Brandon (KayCee) Rohde and their children Emma & Bree; His brother Michael (Carol) Rohde, brother-in-law Larry (Susie) Heim; sister-in-law Phyllis Heim. Special acknowledgment of dear friend Lionel Remillard and other relatives and friends. Lenn was baptized by his grandson, Cameron, shortly before his death on October 14, 2023. Family and friends may visit with the family on Friday October 27, 2023 from 9-11:00 a.m.at St. James Catholic Parish in Neshkoro. A funeral service will follow visitation at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Father John Silva. Inurnment will follow at the Parish Cemetery.

Lenn Rohde

April 30, 1939 - October 22, 2023