Elmer Paul Rohrbacher

Elmer P. Rohrbacher, 88, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at the VA Medical Center in Prescott.  A World War II veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart, Elmer truly represented the essence of the ?Greatest Generation.? He entered the military in 1941 and was among the 65 men in the first class of Army Rangers.  Wounded in combat, he was hospitalized for a year before being discharged from the service in 1946.  He leaves behind family and friends who will cherish the memories he helped to create.     Elmer was born in Evansville, Ind., Dec. 10, 1917 and spent most of his life in Phoenix.  A 1934 graduate of Brophy Prep, he was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater in 1996.  Elmer worked in the composing room of the Republic & Gazette for 37 years, but his real claim to fame came through his bargain hunting.  Next to his family, nothing delighted him more than a good garage sale!  He and Marie were married 59 years ago and raised ten children: (and spouses); Joanne (Sam) Springer, Corinne (Jerry) McCafferty, Tom (Monique) Rohrbacher, Mary (Bo) Walther, Sally (Mark) Wetten, Greg (Dyan) Rohrbacher, Kathy (David) Duhl,  Elaine Jones,  Fred Rohrbacher, and Irene (John) Raniseski. They have15 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Elmer?s sister, Mary Louise Lyding also survives him. Private burial with honors will be at St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix.  A Memorial Mass and celebration of Elmer?s life will be at Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Ave, Phoenix on Saturday, June 11, at 11:00 a.m.  The family was assisted by Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, Prescott. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St, Vincent de Paul Society or the Disabled American Veterans.