Susan Gehl Rohde, 80, of Plymouth, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023 in
Plymouth, Wisconsin. She was the loving wife of Charles Edgar Rohde and mother of
Michael, Katherine and Edward.
Susan was born on July 18, 1943 in Hartford, Wisconsin, to Norman and Marjorie
(Young) Gehl. She graduated from Hartford Union High School in 1961. Following
graduation, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where fate intervened. It
was at the Theta Chi fraternity and Chi Omega sorority St. Patrick’s Day beer supper in
1963 that she met Charles Rohde, from Plymouth, Wisconsin. Their love story
blossomed, culminating in marriage on July 31, 1965, at Peace Lutheran Church in
Hartford, Wisconsin.
Upon completing her college education in 1965, Susan embarked on a teaching career.
Her first teaching role was as a Home Economics instructor at Sheboygan Falls High
School, and she later taught at the newly constructed Plymouth High School. Susan
ultimately decided to retire from teaching following the birth of her first child.
Susan, once a city kid, embarked on a life of new adventures in the country with horses,
dogs and her three kids roaming the countryside. Alongside Chuck, her adventures
spanned continents, from Asia to Europe and across North America. She ventured into
the western wilderness for hunting excursions, embarked on duck hunting adventures in
Mexico, and enjoyed skiing out West and in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her journey
even led her to learn how to fly an airplane so she could be Chuck's co-pilot.
Susan found immense pleasure in activities such as golfing, playing bridge, and reveling
in spirited mahjong sessions with cherished friends. Each winter, she eagerly
anticipated gathering with her Wisconsin friends at Leisure World in Mesa, Arizona.
Susan was a kind person, marked by a reserved demeanor. Behind this quiet exterior,
she harbored intelligence and insight. Her counsel, delivered with careful consideration,
consistently proved to be invaluable and supportive. Her presence will be deeply missed
by both her family and friends.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, Norman, and her mother, Marjorie; both her
older sisters, Gloria (Gehl) Stewart and Barbara (Gehl) Hahn; brothers-in-law Bradley
Stewart and Joseph Hahn; and her nephew Scott Hahn.
She is survived by her husband Charles Rohde; her three children, Michael (Christine
Larson) Rohde of Plymouth; Katherine (Ross) Ristow of Kiel; Edward “Ted” (Nikki)
Rohde of Mesa, Arizona. Grandchildren Edward (Laura Behr) and Claire Ristow (Noah
Ecclestone); Sydney and Alexandra Rohde. Also survived by her brothers-in-laws,
Stephen (Susan) Rohde of Shorewood, Wisconsin; Mark (Gayle) Rohde of Grand
Rapids, Michigan.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM – 4:00PM on Sunday, October 15 at St. John
Lutheran Church in Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 15 at St. John Lutheran
Church, Plymouth with Pastor John Schultz officiating. Inurnment will be at Woodlawn
Cemetery in Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Susan’s name to St. John Lutheran
Church – Capital Fund.
The Suchon Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit
www.suchonfh.com.
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