John Rominger

John Rominger, 95, Passed Away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017

On Wednesday, October 11th 2017, John Rominger passed away at the age of 95 surrounded by his loving family.

He was an amazing individual with an incredible intellect, heart for gardening and willingness to work hard for others. His kindness, wisdom and compassion will be greatly missed by those around him.

Early Life and Education

John was born in Vilas, North Carolina in 1938 and attended Bethel High School until 17 years old when he proudly joined the Navy and dedicatedly served our country for two decades.

He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after meeting and falling in love with Huyen Rominger, whom he would wed in 1966.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Jacklyn Wissing (Chris) and Tammy Smith; son Johnnie Rominger; granddaughter Reagan Wissing; siblings Madge Laws in Mountain City, TN; Lewis Rominger in Freeport, OH; Ruth Rominger in Vilas, NC; Irene Woodard also of Vilas; Dean Rominger Biloxi MS; Bob Rominger(Patty) Mountain City TN; Esther Harmon(Greer) Banner Elk NC as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a man of deep faith and belief in God, family and country. He would never back away from engaging in friendly debates about religion, politics or current events!

Professional Career

John Rominger was previously employed by the Indiana Implement Dealers Association and Mid-America Equipment Retailers Association (Indiana & Kentucky). In 2000 he was promoted to Executive Vice President of MAERA.

He served as Executive Director of the Ohio-Michigan Equipment Dealers Association, managing its boards, conventions and meetings.

He was a certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, practicing facial cosmetic, reconstructive, and dental implant surgery. Additionally, he served on the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio; published clinical articles, and continues to actively research oral and maxillofacial diseases today.

Achievements and Honors

Kent Rominger was chosen in March 1992 to become a NASA astronaut and reported to Johnson Space Center in August. After completing one year of training, he qualified as a pilot on future Space Shuttle flight crews.

He served as pilot on STS-73, in Columbia (October 20 to November 5, 1995), the second United States Microgravity Laboratory mission. This mission focused on materials science, biotechnology, combustion science and fluid dynamics research.

On its 17-day journey, the Space Shuttle deployed and recovered both the Wake Shield Facility (WSF) and Orbiting Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer (ORFEUS) satellites. In its wake, WSF created a super vacuum which enabled ORFEUS instruments to grow thin film wafers for use in semiconductors and high-tech electrical components.

Personal Life

John was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He also had many close friends and was an ardent baseball fanatic.

He channeled his passions for baseball, photography, cycling and music into a career as a freelance photographer. Known for his kind face and wise words, he was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts that was welcomed at many performances and events.

His knack for taking candid photographs during music performances was truly remarkable.

He was a devout believer and never shied away from engaging in conversation about the Bible, politics or current events. His views were founded upon truthfulness, freedom of speech and love for God, family and country.

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