Rohn’s unusual path led him to attend art school at age 60.
Rohn Munn was a civil engineer by trade – designing road infrastructure and water management systems – so it came as something of a surprise when he decided to attend art school at 60 years old. Although Rohn had always been passionate about the arts, he knew he would feel incomplete until he could work as a full-time creator and teacher.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Rohn became an education administrator at his church – combining art and ministry work, even creating a painting during a live sermon. He also worked at an elder day care center, taught large groups of students, and created independent work for art fairs. He found fulfillment in living his dream.
After retirement, Rohn was diagnosed with cancer. Despite the challenges, he remained inspired – resuming his artwork and passion for teaching. While receiving chemotherapy, he would use the opportunity to give lessons to the staff on site. He also created and gifted personal artwork for the other patients who were also coming in for treatment.
In 2020, Rohn discontinued chemotherapy and moved to Fort Myers. His family made the decision to begin hospice care.
His wife and lifelong partner, Linda, said, “I had fears of doing it alone, but when hospice came in, I could just call them. It was so comforting to know I wasn’t alone.”
Rohn’s family didn’t know that Hope Hospice would offer anything other than professional care and guidance during his final months. They quickly realized that Hope would be providing much more – including gentle massages, spiritual care, and help for the whole family. They credit these supportive services with enhancing his quality of life and possibly even extending their remaining time together.
Rohn’s wife Linda visits the Hope Care Center in Lehigh Acres where his memorial plaque is located
The Hope Hospice team soon discovered that Rohn would be an ideal candidate for art therapy. During her visits, Hope Art Therapist Danielle Brant learned that Rohn was willing and eager to pass on his own knowledge. He generously shared techniques and materials that he had used with his former students in the hopes that they could benefit future hospice patients as well.
Danielle was able to observe his process and artistic practices, working alongside him as they collaborated on ways to build this legacy. He hoped to inspire others to create, regardless of their experience level. Knowing that his gifts would last well beyond his own lifetime, Rohn found profound meaning through this final act of service.
He and his family agreed to donate multiple pieces of his artwork for the Hope Care Center in Lehigh Acres, where they were framed and installed next to a memorial plaque bearing his name.
Danielle said, “To me, Rohn’s printmaking techniques reflect the concept of impressions. Just as stamps or mixed media are imprinted onto canvas, so too are the ‘impressions’ Rohn leaves behind with his body of work.”
