ROCHESTER – Gary Ralph Rothenberger, 40, of 1145 Fawn Trail, Rochester, died Oct. 28, 2011.
He was born Feb. 15, 1971, to Dennis and Gilda Marol Rothenberger. On May 13, 2006, he married Andrea Gagnon, who survives.
With great Tiger pride, he graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1989 and attended Brown Mackie College, South Bend. With intrigue for speed, he loved NASCAR racing. “J.J.” No. 48 Jimmy Johnson was his favorite driver. He enjoyed trekking to Michigan International Speedway, home of the Carfax 400 to watch the big race each summer. His admiration for Johnson led him to name his beloved tiger cat “J.J.” in his honor. He also enjoyed touring around on his motorcycle and the challenges of the game of golf. An avid outdoorsman, he frequently camped at the Fish-n-Fun Campground, northwest of Rochester. There was no better way to relax than cooking over the campfire under the starlit skies. He embraced nature by floating down the Tippecanoe River with family and friends and hiked on the trails of France Park and the Tippecanoe Preserve – all adventures that made many memories.
Also surviving are five daughters: Bridha Rothenberger and Abrianna Leyva, both of Rochester; Jada Rothenberger and Kara Stevens, both of Syracuse; and Becca Stevens Bardsley, Chulavista, Calif.; two sons, Karson Rothenberger and Bentlon Leyva, both of Rochester; a brother, Adam (and spouse Kelly) Rothenberger, Avilla; three stepbrothers, Michael and Anthony McDonald, both of Warsaw, and Denis “Smokey” Baker, Pierceton; a stepsister, Misty Hudson, Akron; his parents, Gilda McDonald, Sarasota, Fla., and Dennis and Elaine Rothenberger, Warsaw; a brother- and sister-in-law, Phil and Lori Gagnon, Pierceton; and his feline companion, J.J. a tiger cat.
Services will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester, with Pastor John Branch officiating.
Calling is from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
***** Memorials may be made to the Erin’s House for Grieving Children at www.erinshouse.org
