Obituaries

Gene Rohde was born in Mapleton, Iowa on January 21, 1935. His family moved frequently because his father was in construction. They ended up in Atascadero, California where he attended high school and was involved in basketball, track and boxing. During high school Gene worked at Kimber Farms in Atascadero. The managers were very impressed with the suggestions he made to help the hens remain calm and provide more efficiency in the daily egg collection. Helping his employers be more efficient and productive became a consistent thread in his work.

After high school Gene worked for Kimber Farms in Fremont, California. He attended business classes at Heald Business College in San Jose, and Santa Clara University to develop his accounting skills and became an integral part of the accounting department at Kimber Farms. In 1957 he joined the Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany until his honorable discharge in 1963. Throughout his service to his country, he corresponded with John Kimber with whom he shared a mutual respect.

After his tour of duty in the Army, Gene resumed his accounting career at Kimber Farms. There he met Donna Biale who worked there as an administrative assistant. They really hit it off and were married in 1968 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Niles.

They set up housekeeping in a multigenerational household with her Mother, Marian Biale Baiocchi and Barney Baiocchi. They were all very happy together.

Gene and Donna went into business together at Country Village Market in Campbell, California. They owned and operated the market for 8 years. The business did well but the hours were long and he and Donna needed to be closer to her aging parents. He got a new job with Edwards Enterprises as Chief Financial Officer and they were able to be closer to home. He worked there until his retirement in 2002.

He and Donna enjoyed their retirement taking rides in the country and the occasional trip to Reno. Gene took great joy in his garden--especially the roses and irises. He loved his Lincoln Town car. Gene had a special soft spot for his cats, Shadow amd Daisy who he spoiled with food, grooming and lots of toys.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Donna Biale Rohde, his sister-in-law Jacqueline Buti, his nieces and nephews: Nancy Lapotin (Ron), Jack Burns, Jim Burns (Celeste) Jeffry Burns, Carla Buti Parker,Marcus Buti (Suzy), Karen Bono (David), Dina Duncan (Brad), Deane Lyon (Bernadette Marver), and Corinne Lyon. He is also survived by an abundance of great-nieces and great-nephews and their children.

Gene was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Marian Biale Baiocchi, father-in-law, Barney Baiocchi and his sisters-in-law, Norma Burns and Thelma Lyon.

Per Gene’s wishes there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held for the family at a later date.