Walter E. Rothenberger

ROTHENBERGER, Walter Erich. Age 89. May 18, 2024. Beloved husband of Linda. Loving father of Marco (Carolyn) Liolli and Chris (Terri Proben) Liolli. Adored grandfather of Sophia Liolli, Grace Liolli and Maggie Liolli. Also survived by brother-in-law Alfred (Sandy) Brys, nieces, Erin and Aimee, his dear friends of 73 years, Alfons and Edith Jankowski; Cousin Elfreida Haus as well as several cousins remaining in Germany. Preceded in death by his parents, Florentin and Barbara; brother Harold, and Linda’s parents Alfred and Adelaide Brys. Walter Erich Rothenberger, was born in 1935 in the town of Neulussheim, Germany. Soon after his birth he was baptized as a member of the Lutheran Church which would heavily influence and guide him throughout his entire life. In 1953 at the age of 18, he emigrated alone to the US via the SS United States ocean liner to pursue a career in engineering while residing at his aunt’s house in Detroit. He then served in the United States Army as a tool and die maker and was a proud veteran. Walter worked as a Metal Model designer at General Motors retiring after 30 years of loyal service. He was a very active longtime member at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Detroit until its closure in 2009 when he would join and remain at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fraser, Michigan. Walter was a proud German-American and devoted many years of fellowship to the Metro Detroit German American Cultural Center where he served for numerous years as an executive officer of the Detroit Schwaben Unterstuezungs Verein Club. Walter would spend 47 wonderful years with his beloved wife Linda. He would become a devoted father to Linda’s sons, Marco and Chris. He enjoyed Sunday drives through the country, gardening, tinkering in the garage, and many walks with his dogs Santa, Jet, and Brando. In 1991 after a very thorough and well-planned reconnaissance trip , Walter and Linda purchased a home in Port Charlotte Florida and would spend the next 31 years enjoying their Michigan winters there. Walter also enjoyed returning to Germany to visit his mother and other family members and sharing his homes in Michigan and Florida. With family, friends, neighbors and even strangers, Walter’s kindness was evident on a daily basis. He was well known for always helping those in need, having a dog treat in his pocket in case he passed a dog on his walks, or leaving a bowl out to feed the neighborhood cats. Walter will be truly missed by all whose lives he touched. Memorial visitation Saturday June 1, 2024 from 3-8pm with memorial service 6:30pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to Disabled American Veterans. Inurnment Resurrection Cemetery. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook @ WujekCalcaterra.com

Walter E. Rothenberger

February 23, 1935 - May 18, 2024