Frank C. Schrohe

Frank C. Schrohe, 95, formerly of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Vero Beach, Fla. home on Dec. 2, 2023. He was born Sept. 14, 1928, the son of Mabel Louise (Johnson) and Frank Eugene Schrohe, in Chicago Heights, Ill. There, he attended Bloom High School, where he acquired many lifelong friends and served as Class President during his senior year. Upon graduation in 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army. Stationed in Japan, his primary duty was guarding a Japanese prince during the Allied occupation that followed World War II.

Upon his honorable discharge, Frank attended Indiana State College in Terre Haute, where he met his lifelong love, Helen (Hasse) Schrohe, in 1950. They married on Aug. 2, 1952. Frank graduated what is now Indiana State University in 1952. He was a leader in many campus activities, serving as business manager of the college newspaper, The Indiana Statesman; as president of his social fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and as a member of the Commerce Club. Prior to graduating, he took a job at the Root Store in downtown Terre Haute, as a member of the trainee program for Mercantile Stores Co., Inc., parent company of Root’s. After humble beginnings in the stock room, he was promoted through various positions to become a department head. The company then appointed him to merchandise manager at Joslin’s Department Store in Denver, Colo. From Denver, he was transferred to Mobile, Ala., where he helped open and served as a manager of the Springdale Plaza Gayfer’s Store.

In 1963, Mercantile Stores appointed Mr. Schrohe president of the Root Store, to oversee not only Terre Haute operations, but also branch stores in Sullivan, Ind., and Paris and Robinson, Ill. He returned to Terre Haute with wife Helen and two children, Jennifer and Stephen. The Schrohes lived briefly in the Collett Park neighborhood before settling into their longtime home in Woodgate. Mr. Schrohe oversaw the opening of Root’s Department Store in Honey Creek Square Mall and led the store’s operations during a period of tremendous retail growth until his retirement. He was in complete control of this responsibility, except for the day REO Speedwagon performed at the department store’s fashion show, and his underestimation of their popularity led to music fans storming Root’s in search of band members; and on another occasion when several parakeets from nearby G.C. Murphy escaped and spent several hours in Root’s.

Mr. Schrohe served as Director of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce from 1975-1977 and served more than a decade on the Maryvale Board of Directors. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, the Country Club of Terre Haute and Sycamore Varsity Club. Upon retirement, he was a frequent attendee of daily mass at the Carmelite Monastery. After wintering in Vero Beach for decades, Frank and Helen moved there permanently. Frank enjoyed golfing, the view from his balcony, attending baseball spring training games at historic Dodgertown, morning walks on the boardwalk with his buddies, and visiting local restaurants like Seaside Grill. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and Grand Harbor Country Club and served as a volunteer employee at the Vero Beach Habitat for Humanity Store.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Laverne Schrohe and Vernell Neuliep; brothers-in-law Karl Rauch, Dr. William Neuliep, Harry Harris, Lew Shimer and Larry Tatman; sisters-in-law Mary Shimer and Jean Harris, son-in-law Curt Hendrix, and John Brown, and niece Shelly Tatman. Survivors include his beloved wife of 71 years, Helen; daughter Jennifer Hendrix, son F. Stephen “Steve” Schrohe and his wife Julie, sister Mildred Rauch; sister-in-law Rose Marie Tatman, grandchildren Matt (Brooke) Hendrix, Melissa Hendrix (Eric Montgomery), Vanessa (Kevin) Schofield and Tyler Schrohe. He adored his great-grandchildren, Jasper and Arlo Hendrix, and Harrison Schofield. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial occurred Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Carmelite Monastery with burial at Highland Lawn Cemetery. Family asks that Frank Schrohe be remembered for his great leadership, faith, values and generosity. Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 59 Allendale, Terre Haute, IN 47802; or Habitat for Humanity.  Funeral information and tributes may be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.