Arvin N. Rohrer

Arvin N. “Buster” Rohrer, 94 of Devils Lake and Churchs Ferry ND died on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at his home surrounded by loving family.

Arvin Nathaniel Rohrer, son of Isaac Book (I.B.) and Sarah (McConnell) Rohrer was born on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 1926 on the farm at Churchs Ferry ND.  Arvin made the original homestead his home for most of his life.  He attended the Irvin Township School and graduated from the Benson County Agricultural School in Maddock ND.  He enlisted in the United States Navy on November 29, 1945 and served at the US Navel Bases in New Caledonia and American Samoa.  He was honorably discharged on October 30, 1947 with the rank of Seaman Second Class. 

After his discharge, Arvin returned to the Rohrer homestead to farm, raise dairy cattle, beef cattle and do all the chores, the fixing, the mending, the planning, the hundreds of jobs necessary to be a farmer and rancher.  Arvin semi-retired from farming in 1988 but continued to work for Webster Farms until 2020. 

Arvin married his beloved Jeanette Schnetter on December 22, 1956 and they would share a beautiful life of love, laughter, trials, and faith in God for nearly 65 years.  They lived on the farm at Churchs Ferry until 2016, when they moved into Devils Lake.   For 25 plus years, they wintered in Texas, always enjoying time with old friends and making new ones.  

He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, the church choir and the Churchs Ferry Men’s Club.  After the Zion Church closed, they were members of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and Arvin also in the choir.  He enjoyed membership in the Minnewaukan American Legion, the Masonic Lodge and was a life member of the Elks. 

Arvin’s passions were many. He loved to dance and he and Jeanette were easily spotted as they would glide across the dance floor to any waltz or polka.  He was an avid gardener and reader, especially of history, various wars, and the many US presidents through the years.  It was always a good day when family and friends would visit, the coffee was hot and there was an endless amount of brownies and chocolate chip cookies on the table.  The conversations about farming were fascinating. Arvin started farming the land with horses and ended driving a Quad-Trac with auto steer. 

Arvin served his country, was a true steward of the land, loved his family with all his heart and believed in the promises of his Lord and Savior.

Arvin is survived by his wife Jeanette; sons Steven (Laurel) Rohrer, West Fargo ND, Robert Rohrer, Wheaton, IL, James (Nicole) Rohrer, Auburn WA and Kent (Penny) Rohrer, Devils Lake; grandchildren Sean (Laura) Rohrer, Amy (Ryan) Gillaland: Zachariah Rohrer: Alexander (fiancé Amelia) Rohrer, Jacob (Bailey) Rohrer, Emily Rohrer, Madalyn Rohrer: Jenessa (fiancé Damon) Rohrer, Lynsey Rohrer (Jagger Miller); great grandchildren Charlie and Sam Rohrer, Charlie Gillaland, Maisyn, Leo and Avery Rohrer; sister Lois Ljungren, Sun City, AZ; sisters-in-law Darlene (Gordon) Nelson, Lakota ND and Jeannie Groves, Rapid City SD and many dear nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by parents, brothers Darwin, Archie and Hester “Bud” Rohrer and two brothers in infancy Jesse and Lynn, sisters Margaret Cowan and Irene Dale, in-laws William and Dora Schnetter. 

Honorary Bearers are Arvin’s grandchildren and great grandchildren and the Webster Farm Crew of Dan Webster, Rob Webster, Evan Schoenfish, Kallen Freeman, Duane Brandvold, John Halvorson and Craig Dix. 

Visitation at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral Services on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake ND with Reverend Jim Paulson and Reverend Michael Rohrer officiating. Burial and Military Honors at the Devils Lake Cemetery.