William James Rohr “Lifted off” January 21, 2025 at the age of almost 95, peacefully at home in Meridian, Idaho with family.
Born February 16, 1930, Fox Township, Jasper County, Newton, Illinois, to Paul & Josephine Rohr. Bill was raised and attended school in Newton, Illinois. He graduated Newton Community High School, Class of 1948. Bill was the 2nd child of 6 children. Siblings, Mary Jane Kuenstler (Gerald) Olney, IL., Geneva Wilson, Riverside, CA, Richard Rohr (dec’d) (Joan) Olney, IL, Judith Wilson (Keith Dec’d), Hoffman Estates, IL., Betty Menke (Tony) Las Vegas, NV.
After graduation, on September 02, 1948 Bill joined the United States Navy. Bill’s first assignment was to the U.S.S Catamount (LSD17) out of Boston MA. He served on a total of 7 ships.
- USS Catamount LSD17
- USS Baltimore CA-68
- USS Hancock CVA-19
- USS Oriskany CVA-34
- USS Kearsarge CVS-33
- USS Bennington CVS-20
- USS Coral Sea CVA-43
Bill received an honorable discharge from the US Navy in 1953. Bill then worked for Armour Meats until he decided to Re-enlist in the Navy. His career in active duty ran from September 02, 1948 – November 01,1972. He was then honorably discharged from Active duty into Fleet Reserve, which he remained from1972-1982.
Bill’s final retirement after 30 years of honorable service was May 01, 1982.
His active duty included the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was awarded many medals to include:
Navy Achievement Medal
Navy Merit Unit
Good Conduct Medal (4th award)
Navy Expeditionary Medal (Cuba)
Navy Occupational Medal (w/Asia Clasp)
Navy Defense Service Medal (Second)
Korean Service Medal (w/3 stars)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea)
Vietnam Service Medal (w/5 Bronze Stars)
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Syngman Rhee Medal
Bill married Martha Philomena Kuhl, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, November 21,1956. They were married 68 years. Together they raised 4 children, Kim Helsley (Mark) of Buhl, Idaho, Brenda Rounds (Ivan) of Rathdrum, Idaho, Eric Rohr (Jan) of Boise, Idaho, Carla Rohr (Kim) of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. They traveled and lived around the United States throughout Bill’s Navy Service and finally landed in Boise, Idaho in 1972. After his Honorable Discharge from active duty in 1972, Bill worked for Morrison Knudsen from 1975-1990. He enjoyed the rest of his life in retirement.
Bill gained a few nicknames through the years, Bull Rohr, Barnyard Bill are the two that stand out the most. He enjoyed going to hunting camp with family & friends through the years. He was a horse racing fan and could often be found at the Les Bois Horse Track in Garden City.
Bill always had a story or 2 or 3 to tell and he told them often to anyone who lent an ear.
He led a full life and traveled the world with his career. He is survived by his wife Martha P. Rohr of Meridian, ID, his children, Kim, Brenda, Eric & Carla, his sisters, grand children and great grand children in Idaho & Montana.
There will be a short memorial service at the Idaho Veterans Memorial Cemetery
10100 N. Horseshoe Bend RD. Boise, ID. 83714 on February 13th, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the afternoon. Guests are welcome to attend. Dress warm as this will be outside.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the local Boise VFW, or any other Veteran program such as Wounded Warriors.
The family would like to thank Enhabit Home Health Care & Hospice for their wonderful care and support and Bowman Funeral Homes.