Iconic Midwest Car Dealer Bob Rohrman Dies

A well-known auto dealer who made a name for himself throughout the Midwest has died. The Journal & Courier reports Bob Rohrman, a Lafayette native who was perhaps best known for his comedic commercials, died Tuesday at the age of 87.

Rohrman founded the Bob Rohrman Auto Group in Lafayette shortly after his tenure in the U.S. Army ended. The company grew to more than 30 new car dealerships in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, according to the Rohrman Auto Group website.

The publication reports Rohrman’s death was announced in a letter addressed to the company by his grandson, Ryan V. Rohrman, who is also president of the Rohrman Automotive Group.

“He was a man of great vision, drive and charisma,” Ryan Rohrman said.

A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Last December, the Purdue University Board of Trustees approved a $15 million gift from the Bob Rohrman family to help fund renovations at Ross-Ade Stadium. As a result, the field at the stadium would be renamed Bob Rohrman Field.