Obit: Rothamer, Melvin O. (1923 - 2012)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bondehagen, Forest, Frahmann, Gatzow, Hookham, Laher, Noland, Norder, Peabody, Rothamer, Schwartz

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 05/17/2012

Rothamer, Melvin O. (24 NOV 1923 - 6 MAY 2012)

Melvin O. Rothamer, age 88, a longtime Janesville resident, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, May 6, 2012, at his home.

He was born on November 24, 1923 in the Township of Little Black, the son of the late George and Margaret (Forest) Rothamer. On July 30, 1946 he married the former Mildred H. Frahmann at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. Mel was employed for over 38 years as a machinist for Hough Shade Company (HUFCOR) until his retirement. Prior to his years at HUFCOR, he worked at McArthur Mink Farm.

He was a longtime active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He enjoyed woodworking in his shop at home, and loved tending to his garden in his yard. If he had a chance, he enjoyed dropping a line and fishing. His greatest enjoyment came from his family. Mel was always happiest when he was with Millie, their children, and the grandchildren. He will be affectionately remembered by them all as a 'Big Marshmallow.'

Mel is survived by his wife of 65 years, Millie; his five children, Mark Rothamer, Marjean (Jeff) Norder, Marilyn (Jim) Bondehagen, Mary (Ed) Hookham and Margaret "Peg" (Dave) Schwartz, all of Janesville; his 13 beloved grandchildren, Chris, Dan and Rissa Rothamer, Ethan Gatzow, Nikki (Clayton) Peabody, Brian and Josh Norder, Megan Bondehagen, Matt (Mary), Tim (fiance´Amanda) and Sam Hookham and Kimberly and Ericka Schwartz; his four dear great-grandchildren, Brooke and Madison Rothamer, Liliana Bondehagen and Emma Peabody; his three brothers, Raymond Rothamer of Muskego, Ted Rothamer of Elkton, Md. and Eugene (Shirle) Rothamer of Medford; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents, Mel was preceded in death by a grandson, Nathan Rothamer; a great-granddaughter, Kelsey Rothamer; and his three sisters, Dorothy Laher, Marcella Noland and Harriet Laher.

Funeral services with a Mass of Christian Burial took place on Friday, May 11 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Janesville. Entombment followed in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials in Mel's name may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Grade School, 315 Cherry St., Janesville, Wis. 53548.

Whitcomb-Lynch-Albrecht Funeral Home of Janesville assisted the family with arrangements.