James Rothamer

MCFARLAND-James Francis Rothamer, age 83, died on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. He was born Nov. 2, 1931, to Theresa (Deml) and Frank Rothamer in Milwaukee. He graduated from Medford High School and UW-Stevens Point. James enlisted and served three years in the U.S. Army, 9th Medical Battalion, as a medical specialist. He married Janice Zingg on Oct. 4, 1958. James was employed in managerial positions of the meat industry in the Midwest. He purchased a meat plant on Highway 12&18 in Cottage Grove in 1972, which operated as Rothamer Meats for 25 years, processing meat, sausage, and specialty venison items. James was active in St. Patrick Catholic Church, a charter and life member of Knights of Columbus, past Grand Knight, 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus, past Faithful Navigator, and Honor Guard Member. He enjoyed foreign travel with his bride, Jan, hunting, fishing, and flying his home-built Challenger airplane. James is survived by his wife, Janice; son, Jeffrey (Jennifer Wright); and two daughters, Julie (Andre) Bloesch, and Jill (Jeffrey) Wallenfeldt; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Rothamer, Jennifer and Justin Bloesch, and Hayley Wallenfeldt. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, David; one sister; and two brothers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 North Main Street, Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. Burial with military rites will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420