Mt. Pleasant- Henry “Hank” Rohner, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Wednesday, August 2, 2006. Hank was born on the family dairy farm in Caledonia on September 7, 1919 to the late Paul and Katherine (nee: Schraepfer) Rohner. He attended Hood’s Creek Elementary and graduated from William Horlick High School “Class of 1937”. He enlisted and served with the United States Navy in WWII. On October 4, 1941 at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, he was united in marriage to Marjorie E. Acklam. Prior to serving his Country, Hank was employed by Belle City Malleable and JI Case Co. as a tool and die maker. After returning from service, Hank founded Henry Rohner Implement Company. He was a Ford tractor and equipment dealer for over 23 years. Hank was instrumental in improving the township of Mt. Pleasant. He served as Mt. Pleasant Town Chairman from 1961 until 1975. It was during this tenure that Hank was cited for his contribution in Mt. Pleasant’s industrial development and for the formation of the Mt. Pleasant full-time Police and Fire Departments. Hank also served as a Racine County Board Supervisor and State Representative of the 63rd Assembly District. Hank volunteered on the Sturtevant and Mt. Pleasant Fire Departments, attaining rank of assistant chief and was certified as a first aid instructor. Living on a farm all of his life, Hank also was a great farming advocate. He served as director for many years for the Racine County Agricultural Society; director of the Racine County Fair, where he announced the traditional tractor pulls for many years, and was given the honor of being the 75th Anniversary Racine County Fair Marshall; former chairman of the Wisconsin Suburban League; former director of the Wisconsin Federation of Lakes; member of the Wisconsin Towns Association; was given the Franksville Businessmen “Man of the Year” in 1972; was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 310; and was a charter member of Dudes and Dolls Square Dancing Club. An avid gardener, Hank took pride in his gardens and enjoyed caring for all the farm animals. In his early years, Hank was a talented fast-pitch softball player, who played on several championship teams. He also was fond of hunting and fishing. Above all, his family was number one in his life. Proud of his Swiss heritage, Hank was happiest when in the surroundings of his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Marge; children, Bonnie (Raymond) Sorenson, John Rohner and Margie (John Ames Jr.) Rohner, all of Sturtevant; and Suzy (Gary) Fink of Yorkville; grandchildren, Kari (Justin), Randy (Cindy), Rayme (Shay), Ryan (Melissa), Jason, Kierstin (Dave), Megan (Steve), Shannon, Emmy, Marly and Haly; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Katie Borke of Phelps; brother, Fritz (Evie) Rohner of Racine; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including special family friend, Margaret Hay. In addition to his parents, Hank was preceded in death by his brothers, Jake (Olga), Paul (Lorraine) Jr., Rudy (Addie), Cully, Bob (Irma) Rohner; brother-in-law, Thomas (Alice) Acklam, and Marge’s parents, Clarence and Emmeline Acklam. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Friday, August 4, 2006 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Richard Halom officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. In memory of Hank, memorials to the family are suggested for the establishment of the Henry Rohner Memorial Scholarship Fund.
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