William Rohlfing was born in 1866 only a few short years after the Civil War. He was the first generation born as a United States citizen, his parents having been German immigrants. William was the 4th of 12 children, born at Senate Grove, Missouri, where he grew to manhood and engaged in farming as his father before him had done. In 1887 William married Miss Caroline Potthast and the couple started their life farming first at Senate Grove and then in Berger Bottom. They had 4 children, Arthur, Alvin, Albert, Amelia and Alice. William and Minnie were proud of their children, 3 of whom went on to higher education.

William and Minnie retired in 1920 and made their home in Hermann, MO. William was affectionately known in later years to his neighbors as "Lemonade Bill", for his strong stance on temperance. William wrote sentimental poetry and letters to his sons that were full of encouragement and the sense of duty to God and family.

William Louis Rohlfing died suddenly of a heart attack at age 77 years and 1 month. The deceased was an exemplary citizen and was highly esteemed wherever he resided. He was a devout member of the Methodist Church.

Surviving him are four children, Arthur and Alvin Rohlfing of Berger, Albert of Van Buren, MO and Mrs. Alice Brinkmeyer of New Haven: seven grandchildren and one great grandchild; two brothers George Rohlfing of Hermann, Oscar Rohlfing of Waldron, AR; two sisters Miss Pauline Rohlfing of Waldron, AR and Mrs. Minnie Loewe of Portage de Sioux, MO.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Theo. Wolf and Rev. Keith Hauser in the Methodist Church at Senate Grove, interment being in the church cemetery.

(this is partially from William L Rohlfing's obituary and partially from memories of those that loved him best)