Rohan Malempati

Rohan, 17, passed away February 19, 2014, with his parents and grandparents by his side at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born February 7, 1997, in Madison, Wisconsin to Prasad and Raje. Rohan spent his childhood in Madison, Wisconsin; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Highland Park, Illinois; and most recently Atlanta, Georgia. He loved spending his summers at his grandparents home in Dubuque, Iowa as well as in Hyderabad, India. He graduated from Northwood Junior High in 2011. He attended Highland Park High School and last year attended Riverwood Charter International School in Sandy Springs, GA. In each of the places that Rohan lived, he made a lasting impact on those who were lucky enough to meet him. Rohan was an old soul---He loved the shows, "Maude" and "Little House on the Prairie". He also had a range of things he loved from Shirley Temple, the Muppets, and especially Kermit the Frog, Big Bang Theory, NPR, and old Indian Telegu movies. He always wanted to make sure that everyone around him was doing well, and he was known for texting positive wishes to family and friends several times a day. Rohan especially took care of his grandma after the loss of his grandfather in 2012. Rohan was striving to attend the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies and then wished to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in becoming a doctor. One of Rohan's proudest experiences was his time with the Highland Park High School Rotary Interact Club. Rohan served as the inaugural Community Building Chair of the club. In fact, everyone agrees that Rohan made the club what it is today. He absolutely loved Rotary! Rohan was so happy to volunteer with the Special Olympics and to make care packages for U.S. Military troops overseas. He was also excited about helping the club to plan a trip to Ronald McDonald House to prepare a special meal for the families that were staying there. The club's theme song, "Heal the World", was chosen by Rohan and fits perfectly with his spirit--He was all about love, laughter, peace, hope, kindness and healing the world. Rohan was even featured last year as the "Standout Student" in the North Shore Weekend newspaper for his leadership in Rotary Interact. One of the quotes in the story, "His positivity and happiness touch everyone around him", is echoed by all who knew Rohan. Rohan was passionate about family, friends, traveling, visiting museums, botanical gardens, and most recently visiting Presidential libraries. He also had a very sophisticated palate and considered himself a “foodie”. He faced numerous health challenges throughout his life but always did so with courage, determination, dignity and a smile. Borrowing from a quote from a favorite teacher, “He is the funniest, most thoughtful and selfless person that I have ever met”. Rohan's gifts of laughter and love of life brightened the lives of everyone who knew him. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Anish Malempati and maternal grandfather, Dr. Maruthi Kantamneni. In Lieu of Flowers, Contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 26345 Network Place Chicago, IL 60673-1263; Special Olympics, http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/MelissaZientara/2014-polar-plunge-lake-bluff or the Rotary International Fund online at https://www.rotary.org

Rohan Malempati

February 7, 1997 - February 19, 2014