Shirley Ann (Bruntz) Rohrig was born May 2, 1932, in Lincoln, to Herman and Laura (Combs) Bruntz and lived her entire life in the Friend area. She passed away May 26, 2024, in Omaha, at the age of 92.
Shirley attended District 47 (Woodpecker School) through the eighth grade, following which she attended and graduated from Friend High School in 1950. She received her certificate for teaching from Doane College and then taught at District 47 from 1950-1954.
She married Gene Rolland Rohrig on Dec. 27, 1951, and to this union, three children were born, Curtis, Bradley and Lea Ann. They raised their family on the farm west of Friend, where she enjoyed working with her husband. She moved to Friend after Gene’s passing in 1987.
In 1970, she started working for Friend Public Schools as a Para-Educator, where she worked for 32 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Friend her entire life. Activities included singing in the choir, playing the organ and teaching Sunday School and Bible School. She was also a member of the WSCS, where she held several offices throughout the years. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary (Post 183), where she served as president for a number of years, Friend Historical Society, Friend Country Club, Warren Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, HATS thrift store, Friend Community Club, PEO (Chapter DQ), Merry Misses Club and a Bridge Club. She volunteered at the Warren Memorial Hospital, the Backpack Program, and the HATS thrift store. In 2019, she received the Lifetime Citizen of Friend award.
She was known around town as the “Rose Lady” and for her delicious fried chicken. She enjoyed visiting with her children and grandchildren throughout the years.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Curt (Judy) Rohrig of Fremont, Brad (Suzan) Rohrig of Omaha; daughter, Lea Ann (Tobin) Pospisil of Fort Mill, South Carolina; grandchildren, Jessica (Brad) Rettig of Lincoln, Courtney (Matt) Molettiere of Omaha, Ashley (Ryan) Snowdon of Omaha, Taylor Pospisil of Sunnyvale, California, and Cole Pospisil of Bloomington, Indiana; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Lois Reade of Fullerton, California, and Janice Rohrig Vinderslev of Friend; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Rohrig; her parents, Herman and Laura Bruntz; an infant brother; daughter-in-law Michele Rohrig; and brothers-in-law, Roger Rohrig and Frank Reade.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 2, at the Lauber Funeral Home in Friend, from 4 – 8 p.m. with the family greeting and receiving friends and relatives from 4 – 6:30 p.m. The funeral service will be Monday, June 3, at the United Methodist Church of Friend at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the service immediately at the Andrew Cemetery in Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to Friend United Methodist Church, Friend Historical Society or Warren Memorial Hospital Foundation. Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services.
