Harley Elwood Rokenbrodt

• Visitation: will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025 at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH (12300 W. Janesville Rd.) from 10:00AM to 11:30AM.
• A Memorial Service: will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025 at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH (12300 W. Janesville Rd.) at 11:30AM.

Harley Elwood Rokenbrodt passed away at home on March 13^th, 2025. Harley Elwood Rokenbrodt was born September 8, 1949.  He grew up in Albert Lea, MN and graduated from the Albert Lea High School in 1967.  He attended MN State University at Mankato where he had a triple major in Business Administration, Economics and Mathematics. While in college, he helped manage the books for his parents’ gas station.

He met the Love of His Life, Ann Urness, on Feb. 7, 1968 at the Campus Lutheran Chapel. (He loved to tell that story and had a picture taken that first night that he would show off.) He married Ann on June 13^th, 1970. They were partners for the next 48 years.  He was Ann’s patient, attentive caretaker in later years as her MS progressed. They lived in Lake Crystal, Byron, West Salem, La Crosse, Winona, Duluth, Hales Corners, and finally Muskego. They were blessed with a son, Kevin, on March 20, 1973 and a daughter, Laura, on April 19, 1978.

Harley was a talented business manager, managing multiple gas stations for many years. One of the hallmarks of his success was the care and training he gave his employees.  Harley really cared about people and lifted up those around him.

He took his faith very seriously.  He was a member of Hales Corners Lutheran Church and president of the Hales Corners Lutheran School board for many years.  He was passionate about his service for the school and worked to get the best for students and teachers.  Later in life, he was the head of the maintenance team for the church properties.  He became interested in furthering the outreach of Bible Camps and other church groups.  He was the vice president of Retreats for All, Inc.  He helped arrange retreats at camps and fundraisers to help with the financial challenges of church projects. Some of this outreach was based at Camp LuWiSoMo in Wild Rose, WI.  Toward retirement years, he founded and managed the AnnHar Cleaning service.

Harley loved being a grandpa.  Whenever you called him, he would talk about Hunter, Hayden, Damian and Owen and proudly tell you of their latest happenings. There was a smile in his voice as he talked about how much he loved spending time with them.  He was a special uncle to Michael, David, Daniel, Kristen and Katie Rokenbrodt, calling to check in on them and keeping up with whatever they were doing.  Harley made a special effort to attend the baptisms and special events for the great-nieces and nephews.  He called family and friends on their birthdays.  (He had a great phone calendar!) He held everyone up in prayer.

Every Saturday morning would find Harley at Fishermen Men’s Group from church. This group included his closest friends. He often got together with them between meetings for Bible studies, card games and meals out. Harley always looked forward to their fall retreat.  In recent years he planned adventures, traveling to Canada with nephew Michael Rokenbrodt and cousin Dennis Walden.  He took an Alaskan Cruise with his friend Debbie Brandt.

Dear Father of Kevin (Nicole) Rokenbrodt and Laura (Michael) Padgett.  Grandfather of Hunter and Hayden Rokenbrodt, Damian and Owen Padgett.  Preceded in death by his parents Elwood and Lucile (nee Kressin) and his brother, Rev. Gary Rokenbrodt.  Further survived by sister-in-law Deb Rokenbrodt, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Memorial Visitation will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025 at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH (12300 W. Janesville Rd.) from 10:00AM to time of service at 11:30AM.

If so desired, memorials to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society appreciated.

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES

www.heritagefuneral.com

9200 S. 27^th St.         Oak Creek, WI.

414-761-2750