James Jimmy Rohde

James 'Jimmy' Rohde
JAMES "JIMMY" KELVIN ROHDE, age 63 of Kilkenny died on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at his home.
Born on January 22, 1953 in Waseca, Minnesota, he was the son of James and Beulah (Weydert) Rohde.  He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1971 and attended Mankato State University.  He loved music and singing and played trumpet in bands including the Sands of Tyme.  Jimmy worked in the trucking industry and also owned and operated Grandpas Garden Restaurant in Waseca.  He married Paula Ann Balfe on June 20, 2009 in Waseca. Jimmy enjoyed landscaping, cooking, hunting and carpentry.  He was a talented and determined high school football fullback and a faithful Vikings fan.  He was a member of St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny and a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca.
Jimmy Rohde was an extraordinary man.  Jimmy was extraordinary because he always strove to see the best in others.  His positive attitude was constant.  Whether it was the telling of a "structured joke", the loyalty offered to his friends and family or just the wink of his eye, he always conveyed the decency and the simple, noble thought that everyone should be nice to each other.  He enjoyed his land, his motorcycle, hunting and more than anything, his union with Paula.  The two of them found each other late in life but made up for lost time by squeezing as much pure joy into the time they had together.  Jim faced the entire spectrum of life with a non-judgmental, non-complaining, and positive attitude.  To friends and family, Jim was the glue that held everything together. 
He leaves his best friend and loving wife, Paula (Balfe) of Kilkenny; his loving siblings, Tim (Judy) Rohde of Mapleton, Jodell (Michael) Hayes of Bloomington, and Laura Rohde of Waseca.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Kelly (Jeremy) Erickson and their children, Kennedy and Kora; Amber Rohde; Madeleine (Matthew) Engen and their children, Jett and Piper; Nate Hayes; Ben Rohde; Katelyn Bednarski; and Claire Bednarski.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waseca on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 4-8 PM with a 7:30 PM parish prayer service and continue on Thursday, one hour before services at the church.
Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Kilkenny.