Joseph C. Rohrenbach, 76

Joe Rohrenbach passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Post Falls, Idaho, on Jan. 11, 2015.

Born in Fargo, N.D. on July 14, 1938, to Paul and Ruth Rohrenbach, Joe spent his childhood there until the family moved to the Pacific Northwest in the early 1940s.

Joe graduated from Rathdrum High School in 1958 as the vice president of his class, and shortly after married his high school sweetheart. They were married for 42 years, raised eight children and several other children that became "family." They resided in Coeur d'Alene until they purchased their first home in Post Falls in 1974, which is where Joe worked as a heavy equipment operator until he developed disabling rheumatoid arthritis.

Joe was very close to his siblings Janet and Jim; they were like the Three Musketeers! That love spilled over to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so many others. Joe always had a warm smile, a kind word and a gentle hug for everyone. The door to his home was constantly revolving with visitors that gave him great joy. For his family, friends, and surprise guests, his home provided a gathering place for numerous (and memorable) events like crazy summer barbecues, milestone birthdays, and cozy winter puzzle days.

Whenever we had an issue to run by him, his famous answer was always, "It'll all come out in the wash!"

His hobbies included puzzles, summers on Twin Lakes with family, caring for his two dogs (Henry and Rex), playing the slots at the casino, futzing around the house, and faithfully rooting for his teams: The Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Notre Dame. But his purest hobby was always being the biggest cheerleader to family -- even when his teams lost to theirs!

"We love you so much dad and will miss you, but now you have two good legs and can dance with gramma on her birthday!"

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruth Rohrenbach; one sibling, Jackie; his grandchild Aric Tracy-Rohrenbach; and great-grandchild Isaiah Search.

He is survived by his sister Janet (Bob) Meyer of Spokane, Wash. and brother James Rohrenbach of Post Falls; children Tim (Jeanna) Rohrenbach of Boise, Teresa (Greg) Espe of Coeur d'Alene, Terry (Terri) Rohrenbach of Murfeesborough, Tenn., Tracie (Clyde) Edwards of Rathdrum, Ted (Connie) Rohrenbach of Post Falls, Tod (Sharon) Rohrenbach of Rathdrum, Tony (Laurice) Rohrenbach of Spokane Valley, Wash., Tamie Lake of Post Falls, and adopted daughter Connie Pulliam of Farmington, Mo. Also surviving are 30 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, at Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 83815; with a reception to follow. Please feel free to wear his favorite team logos (Seahawks, Mariners, Yankees and Notre Dame)!

If you wish to send flowers, the family requests that you have them delivered on Jan. 21, or early on Jan. 22, to Lake City Community Church.