Robert Rothi

Robert William Rothi was born on September 28, 1923 in Odessa Township to parents Laurence and Agnes (Lundberg) Rothi. Robert was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He received his education at Rural District #14 in Big Stone County until the 8th Grade. Robert graduated from Ortonville High School in 1941. In addition to country school, he also attended many seminars and extension short courses directed by the University of Minnesota. Robert was also awarded a teaching certificate that was used during the war.

As a youth, Robert was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. The 4-H pledge and motto, the Future Farmers pledge and motto, added to his Christian and State education formed the guidelines for his journey to come. He did not join the military but rather stayed home and helped his folks on the farm and supported his family. He rented farm land and eventually purchased a farm. He farmed with his Dad until his Dad's death in 1961 and continued actively farming until 1988, at which time they rented out the tillable acres and had an auction sale for their farm equipment.

In 1952, Robert and Bonnie Elaine Bruns of Ortonville, MN were united in marriage in St. Paul by the Rev. Otto Schmidt, who was the former pastor of First English Lutheran Church of Ortonville, which was Bonnie's home church and the church that Robert would later join.

Robert's involvement in his community was great. In 1951, Robert became a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was the Master of the Masonic Lodge and he presided over 27 chapel services and 4 funerals. As an active member of First English Lutheran Church, Robert served on many boards at the Church, was president of the congregation, was a head usher and was a funeral usher for over 150 services. He was elected to the Odessa Town Board in 1971 and was appointed assessor in 1972. Robert became a Certified Minnesota Assessor Specialist in 1990. He had life long memberships in these organizations: the Big Stone County Historical Society (President from 1990 -1992), the Graceville Gun Club (Secretary from 1970 -1992), and the American Trapshooting Association. He was the chairman of the Big Stone County Small Cities Economic Development Corporation. Since 1980, Robert was a Licensed Hunter Educator Instructor. He taught many youth the gun safety training courses.

In 1972, Robert and Bonnie purchased a 5th wheel camper and they traveled from coast to coast and from border to border. They viewed, visited, and stayed at many fine attractions along the way.

In January of 2007, Robert moved into Northridge Residence in Ortonville, MN. He resided here until his death on Friday, May 18, 2012. He lived to reach the age of 88 years.

Robert is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Ortonville; siblings: Nola (Fred) Lockwood of Ortonville, John (Anna) Rothi of Ortonville, Jerry (Judelle) Rothi of Canby, OR, and a host of nieces and nephews.