Joseph L. Rothmeyer
Joseph Leonard Rothmeyer, 96, of Monona, passed away at Garden View Place on Feb. 27, 2021. Joe was born Dec. 30, 1924, in Elkader, to Charles and Mary “Mae” (Leonard) Rothmeyer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elkader. He attended the Gooding Country School, rural Monona, through eighth grade.
Joe was united in marriage to Anna Mae Grady on April 16, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monona. To this union five children were born, Debora, Joanne, Denise, Mark and Daniel.
Joe worked as a hired man for neighboring farmers starting at the age of 14, where he worked for $1 a day before returning to the home farm. Joe began his dairy and swine farming career at 16 and was active in farming even after moving to the town of Monona in 1987. He continued running the combine and giving advice until he was 91. Joe loved farming and was proud of his conservation efforts and the awards he received for land stewardship. He was also a bit of an architect as he loved planning and designing the buildings that were erected on his farm.
Joe was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He and Anna Mae were also members of the Monona Heritage Club.
Joe loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He also loved hunting, fishing, playing cards, sharing stories and doing Sudoku puzzles.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Anna Mae; children, Debora (Paul) Hayes, Joanne (Wes) Wilker, Denise Rothmeyer, Mark (Cathy) Rothmeyer and Daniel (Diane) Rothmeyer; grandchildren, Megan Hayes, Britney Hayes, Matthew Hayes, Christina Wilker, Joe Wilker, Fr. Austin Wilker, Matthew (Sheniah) Rothmeyer, Michael (Olivia) Rothmeyer, Patricia Rothmeyer, Kaitlyn (Burke) Schrader and John Rothmeyer; great-grandchildren Morgan Wilker, Brooke Wilker, Jinora Rothmeyer, Harper Rothmeyer, Penelope Rothmeyer, Emersyn Schrader and Logan Schrader; sisters-in-law, Catherine Fick and Roberta Grady; and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Freund and Helen Maxwell, and brothers Charles Rothmeyer and John Rothmeyer.
A private mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, with Rev. Austin Wilker and Rev. Chris Podhajsky as the concelebrants.
Burial will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Monona.
In lieu of flowers, cards of condolences and memorials may be mailed to: Dan Rothmeyer, 19052 155th St., Monona, IA 52159.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona is assisting the family with arrangements.
Pallbearers: Dan Rothmeyer, Mark Rothmeyer, Britney Hayes, Matt Hayes, Christina Wilker, Joe Wilker, Matt Rothmeyer, Michael Rothmeyer, Patricia Rothmeyer, John Rothmeyer, Kaitlyn Schrader and Burke Schrader.
