John Otto Rohde

John Otto Rohde 88, of Hideaway Country Club in Fort Myers, died Friday Jan. 6th after a short
illness. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Ruth Haven Rohde, 87, his five children,
Steven Derek Rohde of Ponca City OK, Lisa Renee Rohde of Muskogee, OK, Kyle Rohde of Safety
Harbor, Fl, David Greer Watson of Tulsa, Ok, Robert Haven Watson of John's Creek Ga. and
seven grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his sisters Ann Rohde Thibault of Key West,
FL and Nora Lee Deitz of Medina, OH. His sister Patricia Rohde Vasquez of Andover, Mass.
survives.

Following graduation in 1952 from Classen High School, OK City, John served in the U.S. Army's
82nd Airborne. He received his degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma City
University and his Masters in Hospital Administration in 1964 from Washington University, St.
Louis. He began his career at Muskogee General Hospital Muskogee, Oklahoma spanning 20
years. Throughout that career he was respected for his integrity and plain spoken advice and
was beloved by many employees. He also served as president of Midwest Health Congress
which encompassed six states. Cooper Green Hospital, Birmingham, AL was his last, ending in
1993. He then served as Health Services Advisor for Jefferson County, AL 1993-1995.

Retirement brought many joys and friendships: the time to golf which he loved, traveling and
problem solving down in his tool shed. There was never a problem that couldn't be solved in
his mind. He was a positive thinker.

John had a big voice and booming laugh. He loved a good debate during which he was
adamant and forceful, but if proven wrong would concede gracefully and in good humor. His
great sense of fun threw the younger set into stitches, so we all looked forward to our family
reunions!

He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors or Tunnel To Towers.
Services will be planned at a later date.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.