Rodney F. Rohde

In Loving Memory of Rodney F. Rohde

January 24, 1947-January 25, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Rodney Ferdinand Rohde, aka “The Skullman” at Wausau Aspirus Hospital on January 25, 2025.  Rodney was born in Wausau to the late Harry Rohde and Leona (Fontaine) Rohde.  Rodney attended various elementary schools in the Wausau area.  He graduated from Wausau High in 1966.

Rodney always said that he was born a hundred years too late.   He was surely a “Mountain Man”.  Rodney's life was a testament to his deep connection with nature.  His journey as a “Mountain Man” began in the wide-open spaces of his childhood, where he developed a profound appreciation for the beauty and tranquility found in the great outdoors.

Rodney's passion for the outdoors was not just a pursuit but a way of life. He approached every expedition with a deep respect for the wildlife and a profound understanding of the delicate balance of nature. His skill and knowledge in the field were matched only by his joy in sharing these experiences with others, creating lasting memories that will echo through the generations.

Rodney had the career of his dreams, when Hugh Curtis lured him away from Jefferson School to become the caretaker at the Wausau School Forest.  In this position, Rodney was able to help Mr. Curtis build and care for one of the most beautiful school forests in the state.  Rodney shared his love of the outdoors by helping students down the rappelling wall, assisting with the deer necropsies and sharing stories of his hunting trips to the various groups of students.  Upon retiring from the school forest, Rodney began his second career as “The Skullman”.  He boiled, picked and cleaned thousands of skulls for his customers to display in their homes.  He continued this passion until the day he passed away.  He made sure that every skull was of museum quality when he was finished with them.  There were many days when customers would drop off or pick up skulls and the hunting stories were shared.  The Skullman loved making new friends through his business.

Rodney felt blessed to be a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He instilled his love of the outdoors to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  There were hunting trips, fishing, hiking in the woods and many campfires with his family. He hunted with his four oldest granddaughters at the Bizjak farm in Thorp.  He took hunting trips to Colorado, Wyoming and Montana with his children that continued to hunt as adults. The turkey hunting in Cambridge with his daughter and son-in-law was always a great time.  He loved the late evening fishing that he was able to do with his son at his lake cottage in Phillips. He loved playing games, holiday activities and playground fun in Greenfield with his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughters.  He always enjoyed attending the activities that his children and grandchildren were involved in.  Soccer, softball, tennis, concerts and art shows were some of the activities he attended.  He really enjoyed coaching softball for his two youngest daughters.  Rodney also enjoyed sharing his love of the Milwaukee Brewers with his family and friends.

Rodney was not only an exceptional outdoorsman and father but also a true friend to many. His generosity, infectious laughter, and willingness to lend a helping hand endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him. The campfires he shared and the stories he told will forever be etched in the memories of his friends, a testament to the camaraderie he fostered.

Rodney is survived by his wife Mary.  They had 35 wonderful years together. He is further survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Kimberley (Christopher) Bizjak and their daughters Claire (fiance Lucas), Madeleine, Lily and Ava; Bradley (Dawn) Rohde and their children and grandchildren; Samantha (Dan) Gritzmacher and their daughters Charlotte and Piper, Katie Gore and her daughters Sophie, Stella, and Katie, and Brent Rohde; Tammy (Jeff)  Steller; Lisa (Henry) Schwartz and their daughters Lindy and Finnley.  He is survived by his siblings; Richie Rohde, Dawn (Willie) Chartrand, Danny (Betty) Rohde and Bob (Sandy) Rohde; his sisters-in-laws Sherrie Rohde and Nancy Rohde.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Leona Rohde, his siblings and spouses Terry Rohde, Harry Rohde Jr, June and Kenny Ross, Lana and Jon Sopel and nephew Chadwick David Chartrand.

A celebration of Rodney's life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at The Wausau School Forest (218735 Hwy KK, Mosinee).  Please come to share stories about your memories of Rodney and to share his favorite food from 2:00-4:00.  There will be a Memorial Ceremony at 4:00.   If you are interested, a  Memorial Scholarship will be created to be given to graduating seniors at the local high schools.  The family would like to thank the staff at the Park Falls Hospital and the Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the compassionate care they gave to our sweet Rodney.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is assisting the family.

As we say farewell to Rodney, may his spirit find solace in the vast landscapes he loved to roam. May his memory inspire all who knew him to cherish the beauty of nature, embrace the bonds of family and friendship, and live life with the same zest and enthusiasm that defined Rodney's remarkable journey.

Rest in peace, dear Rodney. Your legacy lives on in the whispering winds, the rustling leaves, and the hearts of those who were fortunate to share in your adventures.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com