Rita M. Roehrig's Obituary
Rita M. Roehrig (Mallmann), age 98, of Marine City, passed away November 1, 2023. She was born June 4, 1925, to the late Josephine and Anthony Mallmann, in their home on St. Jean Street on the east side of Detroit by Dr. Strucker.
Rita graduated with honors from St. Bernard’s High School on Detroit’s east side. She attended Nazareth College in Kalamazoo for one year. Her early working career started at the Federal Reserve Bank in Los Angeles, California, before returning home.
On August 21, 1948 Rita married John P. Roehrig. They moved to a 40 acre farm in Ira Township in the early 1950’s where she raised six children while taking care of the farm.
Rita became interested in politics because she could go to the meetings for free and be entertained and informed at the same time. After serving as deputy treasurer she ran for office and was elected treasurer of Ira, then elected Clerk and eventually as Supervisor, which she spent 12 years in that position.
Rita served close to 20 years in the township. Rita moved to Marine City in 1995 and served as Marine City’s interim manager for 6 months. She also served on the Planning Commission. Rita was a Marine City Commissioner for 8 years. She also served on the Algonac School Board, the Senior Citizen's Advisory Board, the County Mental Health Board, and occasionally the county Drain Board. Rita was the co-founder of the Downriver Community Services, Algonac and did volunteer work for battered women at Turning Point in Mt. Clemens.
Along with politics, Rita was a voracious reader. She read 4 newspapers a day and from the time she was 21, she read almost a book a day. She loved life, her family and lived it fully. Rita was never afraid to speak her mind and she will be greatly missed.
Rita is survived by her children, John Roehrig II of Illinois, James Roehrig of Oregon, Rita Roehrig of Marine City, Roberta (Keith) Harrison of Florida, Cathee (Glenn) Roehrig Evans of Marine City and Lisa (Tim) Hendrick of Marine City and siblings, John (Juanita) Mallmann and Theresa Mallmann.
Along with her parents, Rita is predeceased by her husband John P. Roehrig; siblings, Catherine (Bruno) Peinado and Anthony “Tony” (Dot) Mallmann.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday November 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, OLR Parish, Marine City. Visiting hours are Wednesday 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp.
Memorials are suggested to the Friends of the Marine City Library. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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