Melvin Rohling

Melvin Earl Rohling, beloved husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend, passed away at home on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2024, at the age of 76 after an extended illness of three years. He was the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Louis Rohling (Dorothy Pauline Seifert) of Birmingham, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Louis Joseph Rohling (Catherine Elizabeth Waltz) and Mr. and Mrs. Bernhardt Andrew Seifert (Anna Adella Eckstein); his parents “Buddy” and “Polly”; and his loved younger brother, David Paul Rohling and sister-in-law JoAnne McCown Rohling, all of Birmingham, Alabama. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Edwards Rohling, Trussville, Alabama; son, Brian Earl Rohling (Dr. Meredith Tubbs Rohling), Vestavia, Alabama; daughter, Karen Rohling Campbell (Patrick Donald Campbell), Trussville, Alabama; and grandchildren, Landon and Annsley Rohling, and John Patrick, Kaylin, and Lillianne Campbell; sisters-in-law Barbara McReynolds (Jim) and Jerry Dennis (Gene); cousins Tom Woods (Karen), Jim Woods (Willene), Benita Holt; and nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Melvin was a 1965 alumnus of John Carroll Catholic High School and in June 1967, was a member of the first graduating class of Jefferson State Community College where he studied business. For 38 years he worked for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, beginning as a court clerk and later serving as the building manager at the Hugo Black Federal Building in Birmingham. He had the love of his faith, deeply private but often times shown quietly through his works and how he lived his life as a servant. He was an original member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where he was one of the first altar servers. For the past 24 years, he has been a faithful member of Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church serving as an usher, assisting with decorating for Christmas, and whatever other tasks that could use his helping hand. While homebound, he never missed watching the televised Sunday Mass and had an appreciation for those in the television ministry. Melvin displayed a pride for his love of country and community, as he served in the United States Air Force Reserve Command 35th Aeromedical Evacuation Unit. Also, through the years wherever he lived, he always served as an officer in his neighborhood association. He was truly a volunteer extraordinaire, giving numerous hours of his time too serving as a Boy Scout Leader, a band equipment truck driver for his children’s high school, and an adored “jolly old elf.” Melvin delighted in his times of being a special Santa Claus in his neighborhood and for charitable events. He sat for hours during the month of December on his porch greeting children no matter the weather. A kinder and more faithful friend you would never find. Married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, their relationship defined the meaning of marriage for almost 55 years. He was the most patient person and an example to all who knew him, especially his family. Melvin lived to be able to help the love of his life, his two children and their spouses, and his five grandchildren who affectionately called him “Doc” because he could always find a way to fix a problem, saying he graduated from “the School of Hard Knocks”. Melvin’s love for his family was top priority and how to live with a servant’s heart for his loved ones, friends, church, and neighborhood will be his legacy. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church, 8090 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, Alabama from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, April 19, 2024 there will be visitation at 9:00 a.m. and a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church with burial to follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Infant of Prague Building Fund, 8090 Gadsden Highway, Trussville, Alabama 35173 or the American Heart Association. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at UAB Hospital and Ascension Home Health for the care given to Melvin the last three years.

Melvin Rohling

August 20, 1947 - April 12, 2024