Marvin Milton Rohrs

Marvin Milton Rohrs

July 15, 1912 until March 22, 2008

Marvin Milton Rohrs, 95, of Balboa Island, passed away peacefully March 22, 2008 at Hoag Hospital. The Rohrs’ family settled in Santa Ana in 1881 to become Orange County pioneers in agriculture. Marvin was born in Santa Ana and attended local schools, graduating from Santa Ana Union High School in 1930. He joined his family in farming and owned ranches in Orange, Tustin, Santa Ana and Hawaii. During World War II, he served as an Army Staff Sergeant in the Philippines. He returned to marry Elizabeth Heil, also of an early Orange County family. They raised their children and continued ranching until he retired in 1973.

Marvin enjoyed many hobbies throughout his long life, art, music, paleontology and travel throughout the world, especially the Hawaiian Islands. Marvin was an avid amateur radio operator (KF6HVJ), passing his licensing exam at age 84 even though he had lost most of his eyesight.

Marvin was a founder of the Orange County Natural History Foundation and contributed scientifically valuable specimens to the San Diego Natural History Museum, the City of Laguna Hills Museum and the Raymond Alf Museum of Paleontology in Claremont, where he was a trustee.

His devoted wife of 44 years, Elizabeth, preceded him in death in 1999. He leaves his children, Patricia R. Schilling (Hans) of Kalispell, Montana, Sally R. Davis of Mesquite, Nevada; and Fred M. Rohrs of Hollister Ranch, California; his brother, Russell H. Rohrs (Betty) of Santa Ana, California and two grandsons, Sanfred M. Rohrs and Daniel H. Rohrs.

Private memorial services are planned. The family has requested no flowers. Donations may be made to the Raymond Alf Museum of Paleontology, Webb School, 1175 Baseline Road, Claremont, CA 91711.