Tom Rohricht, 79, of St. Anthony Park, died June 28 at the St. Anthony Park Home, where he had lived for the last year and a half of his long and courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in St. Paul, Nov. 13, 1934, to Edward Rohricht and Amelia Hellickson Rohricht, Tom graduated from St. Paul Central High School, the University of Minnesota and Duke University Law School.
A graduate of the Naval ROTC program, 1957, Tom served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex for three years. Following active reserve duty, he was separated from military service as a lieutenant, USNR.
Acknowledged as a leading Minnesota attorney in business law, Tom was a longtime partner in the Doherty, Rumble and Butler Law Firm. He also served in several leadership roles within the Minnesota and American Bar Associations.
Tom was a loving husband and father, a kind and gentle friend. He remained a modest man despite the accomplishments of his youth and professional life. Formative to his character were his years in Scouting (an Eagle Scout), in the YMCA (leader and counselor) and at St. Paul Central High School, where he excelled academically and lettered in multiple sports. He received the “C” Club’s annual award for “combining moral, scholarly and athletic attainments.” These attributes remained with Tom throughout his life.
An active member in his community, Tom served neighborhood organizations and businesses, the Indianhead Council of Boy Scouts and his church as a trustee for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Anne Smith Rohricht; his daughter, Susan Lynn Lockwood (Greg); son, Mark Thomas (Summer), Seattle, Wash.; and two grandchildren.
Skillful with his hands, Tom loved the lake cabin he built and the many hours spent perfecting it. An avid fisherman, he was at home with a fishing rod in his hand and his beloved dog by his side.
The family thanks the staff of the St. Anthony Park Home for its kindness, care and competence during Tom’s residence there.
A memorial service was held July 7 at the First Congregational Church of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Memorials are preferred to the St. Paul Central High School Foundation, Tom Rohricht Scholarship Fund, Box 8082, St. Paul, MN 55108.
