Bernard "Barney" Rohde, 87, died October 19, 2016 in Clay Center, KS. He was born on November 27, 1928 in Austin, Minnesota, the son of George and Millie (Barnett) Rohde.

Barney was raised in Minnesota and Iowa. He entered the military service from Minnesota. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1945 and served in WWII. In 1949, Barney enlisted in the US Army and served in Korea and Viet Nam. During his service time, he earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star. He retired from the Army in 1969.

Barney married Patsy Hunsinger in 1954. After leaving the Army, Barney worked in the maintenance department at Kansas State University, retiring in 1978. Patsy preceded him in death in 1985. In 1989, Barney married Billie Griffiths and they made their home in Clay Center. Billie preceded him in death in 2014.

Barney was a member of the Masonic Lodge, life member of the V.F.W where he was past Commander, American Legion, Lions Club, O.E.S. Isis Shrine and served as a volunteer for Meadowlark Hospice. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Julie; his parents, a sister and 5 brothers.

Survivors:

Son: Jeff and wife Donna Rohde, La Junta, CO

Daughter: Tina and husband Larry Samuelson, Morganville, KS

Son: Bernard, Jr. and wife Phyllis Rohde, Riley, KS

Son: Steven and wife Diana Rohde, Reading, KS

Step Daughter: Kellie Thomas, NE

Sister: Rosie and husband Richard Hagelund, IA

Sister: Reta Rohde, IA

Brother: Olven Rohde, IA

Brother: Clifford Rohde, IA

Brother: Duane Rohde, IA

9 Grandchildren, 3 Great-Grandchildren, 4 Step-Grandchildren and 6 Step-Great-Grandchildren

Graveside Services: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11:00AM at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Randolph, KS

Visitation: Tuesday, October 25, from 3-8 PM at Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home

Memorials: Meadowlark Hospice c/o the funeral home

Source: Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home

SILVER STAR CITATION: The Silver Star is awarded to Private First Class Bernard E. Rohde, Infantry, Company A, Fifth Infantry Regiment, United States Army. At about 0400 hours, 27 August 1950, the enemy launched a vigorous attack on the company which was defending the high ground near Sobuk San, Korea. Although weak from wounds, Private First Class Rohde crawled forward to advise the unit of the flank threat. On reaching an advance post and finding a machine gunner dead, he manned the gun, although he had never fired one before, and delivered effective fire on the enemy. By his exceptional courage and bold initiative, Private First Class Rohde enabled the hard pressed platoon to dig in and hold. His vigorous and resolute action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.