Ralph Coolidge Rohrer

Ralph Coolidge Rohrer, 84, of Frederick, died Sunday, March 22, 2009 at Homewood at Crumland Farms.
Born October 20, 1924 in Harmony MD he was the youngest child of the late Harry Davis and Sarah Elizabeth Lutz Rohrer.

A 1941 graduate of Middletown High School, after graduation Ralph was employed by McCain's Orchards until his entry into the Army in 1945. Serving in Korea with Company D, 32nd Infantry Regiment, Ralph was honorably discharged in November 1946.

Ralph met the love of his life, Miriam Mickey Virginia Whipp Rohrer, while both were employed at McCain's Orchards. Married on October 26, 1947, they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary together in 2004. Mickey predeceased Ralph on November 1, 2004.

On January 17, 1948, Ralph began a lifetime career with the Frederick Motor Company. Starting in the parts department as a clerk, Ralph held various management positions with the company. After 48 years of service, he retired in June 1996 as Vice President and General Manager.

In addition to his love for Ford cars, Ralph enjoyed the outdoors. In the spring, he and Mickey enjoyed hunting for wild mushrooms in the hills of Harmony and Wolfsville. Ralph also liked to hunt and fish, especially with his two neighbors, the late Nelson T. Main, Sr. and John C. Wright.

An avid vegetable gardener, Ralph greatly enjoyed spending time raising a wide variety of produce, engaging in friendly gardening competition with his neighbors and sharing the fruits of his labor with others. Ralph's neighbors provided him with much love, support and friendship over the years.

Ralph was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Middletown for almost 70 years, having joined Zion in May 1939. During his membership he served several terms on the Church Council. Ralph was also a supporter of his childhood church, The Harmony Lutheran Church. Ralph was a member of VFW Post # 3285 and the American Legion Post #11.

Ralph is survived by his three children; Kathy A. Rohrer and companion George F. Garman, Frederick; David A. Rohrer, wife Stacy and granddaughter Sydney Virginia of Carlisle, PA; and R. Thomas Rohrer and wife Vickie, of Salisbury, step-grandson Jonathan Schmidt and family, sisters Mae L. Main, Myersville and Nellie B. Draper, Gapland; brother-in laws Donald L Whipp, The Villages, FL and Austin T. Brandenburg, Myersville and several nieces and nephews.

Ralph was predeceased by an infant sister, Gladys Virginia Rohrer, his brother Ray Nelson Rohrer on March 24, 1937, and sisters Mary C. Axline, Irene E. Rohrer and Grace E. Brandenburg.

The family would like to thank the staff of Meadows Court, Homewood for the love and care that they gave so generously to our father while he was a resident.

Visitation: The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick on Wednesday, March 25, from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m

Services: Services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 26. at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Middletown.
Pallbearers will be Ralph's sons, David A. Rohrer and R. Thomas Rohrer; George F. Garman and nephews, Conrad Rohrer, Ray Axline and Ronnie Brandenburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harmony Community Lutheran Church, 3939 Brethren Church Rd, Myersville MD 21773 (301-371-5188); Zion Lutheran Church, 107 W Main Street, Middletown, MD 21769.