Donald W. Rothzen, age 87, of Stronghurst, Illinois passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. He was born July 17, 1932 in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of Erick and Irene Hull Rothzen. On December 5, 1953, he married Kathleen “Kaky” Brown in Raritan, Illinois. She preceded him in death on October 31, 1988. On January 11, 1992, he married Athella Jean Wallingford in Russellville, Ohio. She survives.
Mr. Rothzen was a 1951 graduate of Media-Wever High School in Media, Illinois. He then served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. Following his military service, he was a lifelong grain and hog farmer in the Media and Raritan area. He was a member and served on the board of the Raritan Baptist Church. He also served on the boards of the Raritan Feed & Farm Supply, Raritan Enterprise and Media Township. He was a member of the Stronghurst American Legion Post.
In his younger years, Don played fast pitch softball, and also enjoyed bowling for many years. He enjoyed his daily visit at FS in Stronghurst for coffee and conversation with his friends. Two of his great loves in life were farming and fishing, and he always looked forward to trout fishing at Montauk State Park in Missouri. He also loved sharing his time, and knowledge of farming, with his grandchildren. Those are memories that will always be cherished.
Survivors include his wife, Jean, one son, Ronald (Sue) Rothzen of Media, IL, one daughter, Linda (Kevin) Samson of Monroe, WI, eight grandchildren, Jennifer Henderson, Sarah Ragan, Nathan Parker, Brandon Rothzen, Kayla Schmelzle, Jacob Samson, Colin Rothzen, and Hannah Samson, eight great grandsons, three great granddaughters, three step children, seven step grandchildren, five step great grandchildren, one brother, Richard (Sherry) Rothzen of Burlington, IA, and two sisters, Delores Patch of Stronghurst, and Shirley Melvin of Champaign, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, one sister, Mary Rothzen and two brothers in law, Bob Melvin and Harold Patch.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private family graveside services will be held Saturday May 9, 2020 in the Raritan Cemetery with Pastor Dan Siems officiating. A Celebration Of Life will be held at a later date. No visitation is planned. Memorials have been established for the Raritan Baptist Church, Stronghurst Ambulance Service or Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab. Memorials may be sent in care of Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 299, Stronghurst, IL 61480. Please visit Donald’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence and sign the guest book.
