Claudia Rohling

(nee Friese) Of Oak Creek – A dreamer and deeply caring soul, age 69, passed away in her Oak Creek home unexpectedly Monday, April 24, 2017. We were not ready for her to go so soon, but her childlike innocence and creativity will endure.
Claudia was born June 20th, 1947 to Walter and Rita (nee Wagner) Friese in Sheboygan. She lived in Sheboygan through high school, attending St. Clement Elementary School and graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1965. It was during early childhood when Claudia found her love of and talent for the visual arts. She spent her summers at Crystal Lake where she became a talented swimmer and water skier. Claudia graduated from UW-Oshkosh where she received her degree in visual and graphic arts. After graduation she married Paul D. Rohling and raised three children together. While no longer married, the two maintained a special relationship of friendship and respect throughout their lives.
She illustrated two highly successful children’s educational books and accompanying workbooks. After decades, these workbooks are still used in classrooms and teaching environments today. In her mid 50’s, Claudia obtained her MSW from UW-M. Ever since she has worked as a psycho-therapist with various organizations, as well as her own private practice. The outpouring of gratitude coming in from former clients has been heartwarming for her family. Above all of these personal and professional accomplishments, Claudia was most proud of being a mother to her three children.
More than anything, Claudia loved her family “to pieces”. Claudia is survived by her son Paul (Laura) and granddaughter Addy; Ben (Sibylle) and grandsons Alexander and Vincent; and daughter Jennifer (Jake) and grandsons Wyatt and Wallace and granddaughter Lillian; brother, Walter Friese and sister Cindy Friese. She is further survived by aunts, uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.
Claudia was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be made to the family to pass on to “A Place to Bark” an animal rescue group where Claudia and her sister Cindy adopted a beloved dog. In addition to all her other talents and interests, Claudia loved animals, particularly dogs.
Claudia’s life will be celebrated from 11AM to 3PM Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Hob Nob on Lake Michigan, 277 S. Sheridan Rd. Racine, WI 53403. Please join us to share stories so that her memory will live on through the lives she touched.