Gary Rude Roehrich

Gary Rude Roehrich, age 71, went to the loving arms of his Savior unexpectedly on September 5, 2024, surrounded by his family. Gary was born in Faribault, Minnesota on January 31, 1953 to Richard and Gloria (Rude) Roehrich. Growing up, he had fond memories of boy scouts and loved to tell stories about the time he spent at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He graduated from Memorial High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1971 and enlisted in the Air Force. After completing basic training, he taught as a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor. During and after the Vietnam Conflict from 1971 to 1977, he proudly served as an Air Force Sergent stationed in Guam. 

In 1978, he married Joanne Ward of Mondovi, Wisconsin. During their marriage they were blessed with a daughter, Ashley Marie. They later divorced. Through business ventures, Gary was drawn to Jamaica where he enjoyed many years of adventures and travel. In 2004, he married Claudette Parchment of Manderville, Jamaica.

Gary enjoyed a successful career in sales and real estate. He always looked for ways to give back to the community. In Minnesota, he organized fund-raising events for book and computer donations, which were then sent to Jamaica. In 2000, Gary was honored at the American Friends of Jamaica Annual Gala in New York City for his dedication to providing these essential books and computers to elementary schools. 

Gary had a zest for life that was contagious. When living in Eau Claire, he co-founded and was President of the Corvette Club. He organized the “Sunday Fun Runs,” ice racing, and car shows, just to name a few. Throughout his life, he had a passion for antique cars, especially Corvettes! He spent countless hours meticulously building, maintaining, and keeping his cars in tip-top shape. He was also a lifelong fan of NASCAR racing and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his favorite drivers. 

Gary loved spending time with his family and friends at the lake cabin, snowmobiling, golfing, fishing, and boating. He was the one that got up early to get the boats and toys ready so everyone could have fun.

When asked for help, he enjoyed and took pride in teaching you how to do it; whether it be a home repair, car maintenance, welding, or anything else you needed. When you stopped by his house, he had numerous projects in progress and was always tinkering with something. Gary took great pride in his garden and strived to have an immaculate yard. He also enjoyed deer hunting and going to the shooting range for some father/daughter time. Most of all, Gary was always up for a good time and loved going out with his wife Claudette and friends. He was the life of the party! He loved laughing and telling jokes. He liked to play pranks and would often scare friends and family with Halloween masks. Gary had an infectious smile which would light up the room and his warm hugs will be dearly missed and remembered by all. 

Gary is survived by his wife of 20 years, Claudette Parchment-Roehrich; his daughter Ashley (Joe) Johnson; his nephew Andy Campbell (Angela Wyttenbach) and their children Marlanges (MJ), Gabriella, Nickolas, Savannah, Wayne; his brother Mark (Kristine) Roehrich; his sisters Susan Roehrich, Nancy Larson, Mary Roehrich; his mother-in-law Barbara Campbell; his sisters-in-law Jennifer Campbell, Christine Campbell-Buckeridge (Fitzroy Buckeridge) as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Gloria (Rude) Roehrich and his brothers-in-law, Larry Larson and Christopher Campbell.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 at Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior 515 2nd Ave NW Faribault, MN at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. A luncheon will be held after the service with burial to follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery 1918 4th St. NW Faribault, MN, with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Organization.