Michael Heinz Roehr

Michael Heinz Roehr (Röhr)

July 19, 1936 ~ March 11, 2025

Born July 19th,1936 in Czernowitz, Romania, the second son to Martin Roehr and Eudokia (Parnetta) Roehr. The family returned to Germany when Michael was 3, as his father was called to serve in the German Army during WW2 as a shoemaker. The next several years were filled with turmoil, as they lived through wartime. In 1952, at 16, he immigrated to America from Braunschweig, Germany, with his parents and siblings, Alois, Erna, and Leopold. They settled with family in Omaha, Nebraska. Michael attended Omaha South High. After graduation, he served in the US Army 57th Engineer Company until November 1962. While training at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, Michael was honored with multiple achievements, a Medal for Good Conduct, and Marksmanship, and he set the record for fastest obstacle course time. He graduated from Signal School, first in his class. Ironically, he was sent back overseas to the U.S. Army Engineering Depot in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Mike served as a SP4 Specialist in Electronics, drove the tractor for an M65 Atomic Cannon, and worked motorpool and guard duty.

Returning to Omaha, Mike worked for the Sunbeam Corporation as an equipment technician until December 1964. At that time, he began a career with "Western Electric", remaining for 35 years and retiring in 2007. During this period, he married Cheryl Josephine Cook on February 23, 1962. They had 4 children together: Thomas Michael, Lori Marie, and twins Christine Ann and Charlene Mary. Mike and Cheryl remained married until 1974. On Aug.28th,1982, Mike married Suzanne Ellis and remained married until 1985. Through midlife, Mike was involved in a long-term relationship. They occasionally traveled and attended numerous social events. Over the years, Mike was a proud and active member of many clubs and leagues. including the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of Columbus, NRA, Nebraska Polka Club, German American Society, North American Fishing Club, golf leagues, and car clubs.

Mike was a true Jack of all trades and excelled at everything he set his mind to. If he took on a project or challenge it would be perfect when finished. He was a master craftsman, a mechanic, an artist, and even an amazing cook. He loved playing his harmonica and taking many chances at tear-off pickle cards. He had a fabulous green thumb and was famous for his beautiful rose bushes. Mike was a nature lover & true outdoorsman and shared this love with his children, family members, and close friends. Fishing trips were often in the works to the local lakes, Lake McConaughy in Ogallala, NE, and many trips to Minnesota. He loved fishing and hunting, earning numerous trophies, local publications, and Master Angler awards. This guy could spot a pheasant a hundred yards out in a field of corn when most people would have passed it by. Plus if there were bass hiding amongst the reeds somewhere, he could spot them too. Winning “biggest fish” bragging rights was always a competition, especially with his brother Al and nephews, a true joy for Mike. Mike also excelled at billiards, golf, Polka dancing, and Marksmanship, earning many awards, medals, placards, and ribbons to prove it. Of course, he had an eye for nice cars and motorcycles, too.

He may have been a little, but he was honest, hard-working, and tough. Being a very personable guy, he had many, many friends. He took great pride in his appearance, how he dressed, and had quite an extensive wardrobe of suits, shoes and ties. He was definitely a sharp-dressed man. But he always carried a change of clothes, fishing poles, tackle, and waders in the trunk, just in case. For the past few years, Mike resided at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home memory care ward. He suffered from dementia and advanced Alzheimer's disease. Mike passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 11th, having been surrounded by his children and pampered by caregivers. He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Eudokia Roehr, his brother Leopold, brother Alois, sister-in law Ann, and nephew John Roehr. He is survived by his sister Erna (Ron) Muller, his children Tom (Tiki) Roehr, Lori (Pat) Campbell, Christine (Blase) Leven, and Charlene (Greg) Oliva, 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL MASS: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 11:00 am, with FAMILY RECEIVING FRIENDS from 9:30-10:30am and a ROSARY at 10:30am, all at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church. INTERMENT: Omaha National Cemetery.

Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services

6505 S. 144th St. Omaha, NE 68137 / 402-895-3400