Melvin O. Rothamer, Janesville  (1923 - 2012)

Melvin O. Rothamer, age 88, a longtime Janesville resident, passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, May 6, 2012 at his home. He was born November 24, 1923 in Little Black Township, WI, the son of the late George & Margaret (Forest) Rothamer. On July 30, 1946 he married the former Mildred H. Frahmann at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, WI. Mel was employed for over 38 years as a machinist for Hough Shade Co. (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. Mel 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 5 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 (fiancee, Amanda), and Sam Hookham, and Kimberly and Ericka Schwartz: his 4 dear great-grandchildren, Brooke and Madison Rothamer, Liliana Bondehagen, and Emma Peabody; his 3 brothers: Raymond Rothamer, of Muskego, WI, Ted Rothamer, of Elkton, MD, and Eugene (Shirle) Rothamer, of Medford, WI, 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 3 sisters: Dorothy Laher, Marcella Noland, and Harriett Laher.
Funeral services with a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, May 11, 2012 at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 315 Cherry St., with Fr. James Kuhn officiating. Entombment will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, JANESVILLE, 21 S. Austin Rd., or from 10:00 until 10:30 A.M. at the CHURCH on Friday. 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, WI 53548.
www.whitcomb-lynch-albrecht.com