EMMA ROHR

Emma (Grasmugg) Rohr, 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, January 26th, 2025.  Emma was born, the youngest of 10, to the late Johann and Charlotte Grasmugg in Germany, December 24th, 1935.  As a child she studied ballet, singing, and developed a love for music and dancing.  She met her husband, Charles Rohr, an Army soldier stationed in Germany who used his off-duty time to dance his way into her heart.  They were married in Schwabach Germany August 10th, 1957.  Emma's army wife career lasted 24 years.  It included learning a new language, many moves to new places, and 5 children.  After retiring from the Army, the family settled down in Menasha, Wisconsin.  In their civilian life, because of her love for cooking and feeding people, they first owned and operated the King Bee Diner for 5 years and then the Avenue Dinette restaurant in Appleton from 1979-2000.  People often stated her plated food was too beautiful to eat and when they ate it, they would say it was as good as it looked.  After they closed, she worked for many years at Schreiner's Diner in Appleton. 

Her fun included playing cards with her card buddies, bowling, bingo, sleeping-in on Sundays, and grandchildren. Emma was quick witted, but she could take a couple days to understand a joke and then laugh out loud when she got it.  She was a generous soul who believed in love, forgiveness, manners and a good handshake.  Her struggles in life were war, poverty, and personal battles. All of which she survived and overcame through her faith in God.  

She will be dearly missed by her family and her cat, Kitty.  

Emma is survived by her children: Evi (Mark) Gerrits, Charles W. Rohr, Donna (George) Wojcik, John (Valerie) Rohr, son-in-law Norbert Tusche, sister-in-law Donna Rohr, brother-in-law Earl Berndt, 13 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren (who called her Oma) 

Emma is preceded in death by her husband Charles A. Rohr, Daughter Vera Tusche, Grandson John J. Rohr, 5 sisters, 4 brothers, 3 brothers-in-laws, and 3 sisters-in-law.  

A memorial service for Emma is being held on February 15th at 1pm, at the Menasha Senior Center, 116 Main St., Menasha.  There will be a service with lunch to follow.  The family would like to give a special thanks to Gold Cross EMS, the Fire Department, Compassus Hospice- especially Katie, Heidi, and Vanna. Additionally, a special thank you to Advocap- especially John. Thank you for all of your kindness. And a special thanks to Amanda W., you made it possible for us to make it work.