Eric Rompf

Our beloved father, grandfather, and brother went to be with the Lord, our savior due to complications from a stroke while in hospice care on February 15,2016 in New Port Richey, Florida. Sonny was born in Erie, Michigan on November 24, 1937 to Eric Paul, Sr. and Helen (Walentowski) Rompf. He attended Scott High School and then enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1955. Sonny served 4 years active duty and 4 years in the Air Force Reserves where he was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Naval Hospital as a registered nurse. He married Carol J. Carpenter on May 22, 1956 and they were married for 58 years until her death. After serving in the military, Sonny pursued his dream of traveling the country as an over the road truck driver. He retired after 30 years from Rogers Cartage Company in January 1999 where he was a hazardous materials driver. He was a member of the Teamsters Local #20 where he served as a Union Steward. Over the years he was an active member of the Holland American Legion Post #646. For many years he was involved with the Hollandette Baton and Drum Corp serving as their President. Sonny was a volunteer for the Village of Holland Fire Department for 18 years leaving as a Captain. He traveled all over the country, however, he loved to spend his summers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he liked to relax and fish. During the fall, winter and spring months, he spent his time with his children and grandchildren in Pahrump, Nevada; Charlotte, North Carolina; and New Port Richey, Florida. Sonny made many lasting friendships over the years. It was within his character to help anyone in need. Whether it was a friend or a stranger stranded on the side of the road, he would not hesitate to lend a hand. He loved watching NASCAR, for which his favorite driver was Jimmy Johnson. He was a die-hard Ohio State football fan. He is survived by his children, Michael Paul (Candy) Rompf, Mark Allen (Sherry) Rompf, Timothy Lee ( Kim Estes) Rompf, James William “Petee” Rompf, Cheryl Lynn (James) Growden, Carrie Sue Rompf; grandchildren, Ben Adams, Brandon Michael (Tasman) Rompf, John Allen (Kim) Growden, Eric Joseph Rompf, Courtney Nicole Rompf, Whitnie Leigh (Ryan) Meller, Kaylee Marie Rompf, Caleb Alexander Dixon, Olivia Lee Rompf, Heather Bradley, Joshua Badyna and 9 great-grandchildren; family friend (who was like a son to him)- Stan Maszczakiewicz; brothers, Leif (Marie) Rompf, Rolf “Skip” Rompf; sisters, Marlene Gailer and Sandra Hendricks. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; daughter, Jennifer Lea Rompf and brothers, Ronald Swiatek and James Swiatek. Friends will be received on Friday, February 19, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Neville Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway in Holland (419-865-8879) where funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. with David Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow in Springfield Township Cemetery. Those who wish to make memorial contributions may do so to either Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Road Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be made to Sonny’s family online at www.neville-funeral.com.