BORN

1922

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Harry A. Nauman & Son

4041 Freeport Blvd

Sacramento, California

Lawrence Rotharmel Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 10, 2012.

Lawrence "Larry" H. Rotharmel surrounded by his family went to be with the Lord on January 7, 2012. He was born in Madera, California on August 14, 1922, the youngest of seven highly spirited children. The family moved to Salinas, California when Larry was an infant.

While attending high school he joined the National Guard. In February 1941, his unit was mobilized and they were shipped to Ft. Lewis Washington for training. In September of 1941 they were deployed to the Philippines and forced to surrender in April of 1942. He endured the Bataan Death March and was a POW for the next 40 months, until he was liberated on his 23rd birthday in 1945. Larry was highly decorated for his bravery and fearless dedication.

He returned to Salinas after the war and met the love of his life, Maxine Rippey, whom he married on October 16, 1948. Together they raised their family there, before moving to Sacramento in 1975.

Larry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Maxine Rotharmel, as well as three children: Marilyn Tingley (Bill) of Bakersfield, Tom Rotharmel of Sacramento, and Joanne Lewis (Sam) of Chino. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Charles Tingley, Kellie Bazan, John Tingley, and Allison Lupercio (Steve); his three great-grandchildren: Elias, Zakeriah and Kathyrn Bazan; a brother, Raymond Rotharmel of Oregon, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry was a carpenter by trade and loved to dance, play golf, tell jokes, and go on excursions around the world with his wife and family. He was a member of many organizations, including: Sacramento Elks Lodge #6, VFW Post 1999, 40/47 Club, American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Western State Chapter, Disabled American Veterans #101, and United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. He was also a longtime member of Plumas Lake Golf Club and St Anthony's Seniors.

Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be greatly missed, but will carry on in the hearts of his family and friends and will be remembered for his generosity, great sense of humor and wry wit.

Rosary will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, January 16, 2012 at Harry A. Nauman & Son, Land Park Chapel , 4041 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento. Mass will be held at St Anthony's Church, 660 Florin Road, Sacramento on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:00 am. Following, a reception will be held at Elks Lodge #6, 6446 Riverside Blvd. Sacramento. A full-honor military burial will follow on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield, California. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Sacramento Elk's Lodge #6.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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2 Entries

January 12, 2012

Jeff Watson

Posted by Jeff Watson

January 12, 2012

Jeffrey Watson

Some of my earliest memories include Larry, my great uncle and godfather. I grew up in the house that he built with his own hands and am blessed that Larry and Maxine (Mommo) have been a part of my life for all of my 43 years…never forgetting a birthday or Christmas and present for all of the milestones; baptism, first communion, high school and college graduation and so many other events along the way.

Larry was brave, generous and caring and has left an indelible mark on the world and in the hearts of of those of us who were fortunate to know him and call him family or friend.

Maxine, Marilyn, Tom and Joanne, my sincerest sympathies and condolences are with you and your families. God bless you all.

With love,
Jeff

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Harry A. Nauman & Son

4041 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822

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