Mr. Robert J. Rotter, 87, of Shawano, formerly of West De Pere, passed away peacefully among family on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Birch Hill Care Center in Shawano.
Bob was born on Jan. 12, 1930 in Bonduel, a son of the late Otto and Lillian (Stern) Rotter. He attended St. James Lutheran grade school in Shawano. Bob entered the United States Army and served in the 8th Army during the occupation of Japan and the Korean War. He received the Army Occupation Medal (Japan), the Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, a Combat Infantry Badge and the United Nations Service Medal as an adviser to China during the evacuation of the Nationalist Army. Bob left the Army in 1953 as one of the youngest master sergeants ever when he was discharged.
Upon returning from service he was united in marriage to the former Carol Alft on Aug. 23, 1953, at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. The couple lived in Shawano until 1967 when they relocated to West De Pere. Bob enjoyed a long career at Packerland Packing Company. He worked his way up to vice president of operations and plant manager before retiring in 1990. The couple spent their “golden years” at Shawano Lake.
Bob was an avid baseball player in his younger years, playing while in the service in Japan, and earned the nickname “Homer.” He later took up the game of golf, and also liked to play racquetball. He enjoyed grouse, deer and turkey hunting. Bob enjoyed time spent with many friends on the golf course, at his hunting land, and traveling the back roads of Wisconsin in search of the perfect slice of pie.
Bob was a longtime member of St. James Lutheran Church. He was also active with the Shawano American Legion Post 117.
Survivors include his children, Steven (Susan) Rotter, of Green Bay, and Christine (Robert) Skrotsky, of New Bern, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Jennifer (Paul) Thompson, Allison (Lucas) Weiner and Matthew (Amanda) Rotter, all of Green Bay; his great-grandchildren, Madyson, Braydon, Lili, Gabi, Aubree, Laurel, Ellie and Ava; and one great-great-granddaughter, Charlotte. He is further survived by his brother, George (Janet) Rotter, of Oshkosh; his sister, Marion (Earl) Plass,of Kimberly; his brother-in-law, DeLail Alft, of Green Bay; his sisters-in-law, Fern Henke and Jean Laehn, of Tigerton; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, who passed away on Jan. 5, 2017; his parents, Otto and Lillian Rotter; his sister and brother-in-law, Caroline and Henry Hess; his brothers-in-law, Henry Henke and William Laehn; and his sister-in-law, Ardis Alft.
A memorial service for Robert J. Rotter will be held on Saturday, March 18, at 3 p.m. at Mickelson Funeral Service of Shawano. The Rev. Dr. Timm Griffin will officiate. Relatives and friends may call from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place in the spring at Lake Drive Cemetery, town of Wescott.
In lieu of flowers and plants the family has requested memorials to the Old Glory Honor Flight.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
The Rotter family would like to thank the staff at Birch Hill for all the kindness and care provided to Bob while he was there. Thank you to Heartland Hospice staff for their assistance during this difficult time.