Bill James Rosenhan Obituary (1931 - 2010)

Bill James Rosenhan, 78, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2010 as a result of a traumatic brain injury stemming from a fall. Bill was born the second of eight children to Cort Arno Rosenhan and Blanche Glover Rosenhan, on August 28, 1931 in Midvale, Utah. Bill graduated from Jordan High School (’49) and attended the University of Utah prior to receiving a call to serve in the Southern States Mission for the LDS Church. He was unable to serve a mission when his military deferment was cancelled. He then enlisted and served honorably in the United States Air Force. He also received an appointment and attended the Unites States Military Academy at West Point. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from his military service, Bill returned to the University of Utah where he received his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. On June 17th 1955 Bill married Chloe Louella Hatch in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They were blessed with six children: Kurt J. (Wendy), Michael N. (Carol Lee), Holly L. (Chris Erekson), Suzy (Steve Quarrella), Eric B., and Bill J. “BJ” Jr. (Becky). Chloe passed away on February 13, 1972. On September 29, 1972 Bill married Gloria Day in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Gloria passed away on November 25, 2006. Bill has sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. All of these children were a source of unmeasured joy and happiness to him. Bill spent the majority of his career at IBM where he worked as a Systems Engineer. He deeply valued the friendship of many of his professional colleagues and clients. Bill was a master woodworker and built several pieces for his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed tinkering with his computer, board and card games, and his boat. Bill was long-time BYU Football season ticket holder and traveled to many games with his wife Gloria. An avid sports fan, he also followed BYU and Utah athletics as well as the Utah Jazz. He also enjoyed touring with BYU Travel Study and other groups. Bill was able to travel much of the world but especially enjoyed visiting his ancestral homeland Germany. Bill has a strong testimony of the gospel, and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served faithfully in many callings at the ward and stake level. Prior to his death he enjoyed serving as a tour guide at the LDS Conference Center. Bill is survived by his children and siblings Max (Katy), Susan (Tim Simmons), and Karma (Terry Spalding). He was preceded in death by his parents, spouses, and brothers Lamar (Bevelyn), Paul (Sherryl), Bruce (Julia), and Phillip (Margaret). Funeral services will be held Friday, August 20, 2010 at 11 am at the Hillside Ward Chapel, 435 E. 5600 S., Murray, Utah. Friends and family may call Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 S. State Street and at the ward chapel one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Murray City Cemetery. Special thanks to friends and neighbors for their loving help and support. The family also would like to extend their appreciation to the doctors and nurses at the Utah Valley Medical Center ICU who cared for him.