Otto Rohla

Otto Ross Rohla, Jr., 89, of Colby, died Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. He was born on October 14, 1932, in Webber, KS to Otto and Minnie (Wilton) Rohla. In the 7th grade Otto moved to Mankato, KS, with his family. He graduated with the class of 1950 and then entered the United States Navy. Upon returning from service in 1953, he worked with sheet metal at the Reed Oven Company in Kansas City. Otto returned to Jewel County and on September 16, 1956, he married Rachel Woods at the First Christian Church in Smith Center. Otto worked as a diesel mechanic for Martin Tractor, first in Concordia, then Clay Center, and eventually Colby, where the family settled. After retirement Otto helped build the fence at Beulah Cemetery in Colby. Otto was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jim, Grover and David Rohla.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel, of Colby; children Jody (Evan) Robertson, of Oberlin, KS, Teri (Ron) Hart, of Hays, KS and Ross Rohla, of Fishkill, NY; brothers, Emil Rohla of Haysville, KS and Joe (Insuk) Rohla, of Elsinore, UT; three grandchildren, Hayley (Matt) McGivern, Jesse Hart and Rayna Hart and two great grandchildren, Emmy and Madeline McGivern.

Following a public viewing from 5-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Baalmann Mortuary in Colby, KS, a graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, in WaKeeney, KS. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Hays Medical Center or Celebration Community Church in Colby, and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com