Contributed photo
Front row (left to right): Mickey Rohde-Mike’s son and Sertoma member, Jaxson Rohde-Mike’s grandson, Brody Syverson-scholarship winner from Pelican Rapids High School, Elias Valdovines-scholarship winner from Pelican Rapids High School, Dianne Rohde-Szarke-Mike’s widow and Sertoma Member, Tayla Pedersen-scholarship winner from Henning High School, Hope Neuleib-scholarship winner from Fergus Falls High School, Adrayella Curry-scholarship  winner from Kennedy Secondary School Fergus Falls and Barbara Wadole-Adrayella’s grandmother. Back row:  Dana Syverson-Brody’s mother, Ethan Rohde-Mike’s grandson, Mike Beyer-Sertoma Member, Jessica Valdovines-Elias’ mother, Paul Tysver-Sertoma Member, Becky Hill-Elias’ grandmother, David Kriesel-Koll-Sertoma Member, John Pedersen-Tayla’s father, Chad Neuleib-Hope’s father and Zelandra VanTreece-Adrayella’s mother. Not pictured: Marissa Goeller-New York Mills High School.

Five Mike Rohde Spirit Scholarship winners were presented with plaques and a scholarship of $2,000 at a recent Fergus Falls Sertoma Club noon luncheon at Mabel Murphy’s in Fergus Falls.  The students who were honored include: Tayla Pedersen, Brody Syverson, Elias Valdovines, Adrayella Curry and Hope Neuleib. Marissa Goeller received her plaque and scholarship at her New York Mills school awards presentation ceremony. 

Mike Rohde died of hereditary heart disease in 2000 and 63 scholarships totaling $97,500.00 have been awarded in his memory.  This has been made possible by the donations of more than 150 people, The Fergus Falls Sertoma Club, the Spirit Scholarship Board and the Rohde family.  Scholarship board members are Mike Beyer, Scott DeMartelaere, David Kriesell-Koll, Chris Swanson, Wally Stommes, Paul Tysver, Mickey Rohde, Ethan Rohde, Robin Rohde Keller and Dianne Rohde-Szarke.