Rohlfing, Franklin D.

Franklin D. Rohlfing gently entered into eternal peace on August 10, 2021.

Frank was born November 3, 1936 in St Louis, MO.  He was the youngest child of George and Elsie (Kostedt) Rohlfing.  Born on Election Day, he was named for President FDR who was elected to his second term that same day.

Frank grew up in North St Louis/Baden.  Frank’s parents died while Frank was a teenager.  His siblings were then and continued to be a big influence in these formative years and throughout his life. Frank often talked about the years of living with his brother Harry.  He gained a “surrogate mother” by hanging out at BJ’s Bar in Baden.  “Grandma Doris” was like a mother and grandmother to Frank, Kate and the kids.

Frank married Kathleen (Berghofer) on February 10, 1968.  Kathleen preceded him in death in 1997.  Frank was a loving and supportive father to his children, Denise (Dave) Kraher, Dianne (Paul) Emily, and Frank (Becky) Rohlfing.  Frank was a beloved son-in-law to Hazel Berghofer who lived with Frank for over 30 years.

He was a fun and loving grandfather to Katelynn and Elsa Emily and Noah and Haley Rohlfing.  He was like a father and grandfather to many others.

Frank was preceded in death by his siblings: Marcella (Frank) Brown, Charles (Dorothea) Rohlfing, Louis (Flora) Rohlfing, Dorothy (Bob) Bono, Harry (Betty) Rohlfing, Edward Rohlfing and John (Shirley) Rohlfing.  He is survived by his sister-in-law, Virginia Rohlfing.

Frank was also preceded in death by his sisters-in-law, Alyne (Rick) Carney, Patsy (Ralph) Piper,  and Shirley (John) Rohlfing.

Through the many changes in his life, he adapted by continuing to form relationships and friendships wherever he went.  He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with a warm smile and a joke.

During the years when his family was young, Frank spent his evenings and weekends playing baseball and softball with his kids in the backyard, jumping through hula hoops and sitting on the front porch watching the cars go by with his brother John.  He enjoyed Friday dinners with his brothers and friends at B&J’s in Baden and monthly card party gatherings.

He was employed as a sales representative for the Glidden Paint Company, retiring after 29 years.

After his wife’s death, Frank found fulfillment in joining the Twin City Horseshoe club, playing golf with his lifelong friends, and traveling to casinos with his wife’s uncle, Ken Smith.

During these years, he  could be found on Friday and Saturday nights dancing at the Chrome Bar or hanging out at the 19th Hole bar.

Once the grandkids came, Frank enjoyed taking them to Steak ‘n Shake, watching them play ball and giving them their “white envelope” of money for birthdays and Christmas.

Another highlight was taking a cruise with Denise and Dave and traveling to visit them in Seattle.

Frank’s life changed greatly in January 2016 when he had a stroke and could no longer live alone or participate in golf and horseshoes.  Like everything else in his life, he faced this with optimism and hope and adapted to the changes.  He had to leave his beloved St Louis and move to Kansas City but he always maintained his love for St Louis – finding a way to watch the St Louis Cardinals on TV and rarely missing a game.  He would have Frank and Becky bring him St Louis style pizza, steaks from Dierbergs and White Castles when they came to visit.

He wore his St Louis Cardinals hat whenever he went out and loved finding fellow Cardinal fans in KC. Frank continued to find community, meeting new friends at the American Stroke Foundation (the “Club”). Frank also enjoyed the many new friendships he made at St Luke’s United Church of Christ in Independence, MO.

Frank will be remembered as a loving and kind father, father-in-law, grandfather, step-grandfather, step great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Stroke Foundation.  Online donations at americanstroke.org or mailed donations to 6405 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 214 Overland Park, KS 66202.

Funeral from Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Tuesday August 17, at 11:00 am. Interment Bethlehem Cemetery. Visitation Monday 4-9 pm.