Richard "Dick" Rottier, 91, of De Pere, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025. Born on March 22, 1933, to the late Christian and Marie (Heezen) Rottier, Dick grew up surrounded by love as part of a large farm family. He often spoke fondly of the joy and hard work that shaped his early years.
On September 13, 1956, Dick married the love of his life, Mary Vander Linden. Together, they created a home filled with faith and love, raising six children and building a legacy rooted in family.
Dick proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956, stationed in Korea. In 1959, he purchased a farm where he not only raised his family but also exemplified a remarkable work ethic that defined his life until his retirement in 1997. Dedicated to his community and finding joy in helping others, Dick also volunteered as a fireman beginning at the age of 17, serving 4 years with the Ashwaubenon Fire Department and then 39 years with the Hobart Fire Department where he was known for his quick wit and willingness to always lend a hand. Dick also served as a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than three decades and was instrumental in the setup of the De Pere Christmas Tree Sale for many years.
While Dick held many titles throughout his life—farmer, fireman, veteran, neighbor, uncle, friend—his greatest pride was in his family, and he was proud to be a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. He lived a life, through good times and bad, defined by Christian faith, unwavering positivity, kindness, and an enduring sense of humor. His generosity and gratitude touched everyone who knew him, and he embodied the scripture, “Do everything in love†(1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
Dick leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of 68 years, Mary; his children, Fran (Jeff) Larson, Carol (Don) Anderkay, Julie Rottier, and Amy (Steve) LaPierre; and his grandchildren, Nicole (Ben) Grall, Kayla (Sam) Weyenberg, Richard (Becky) Larson, Sara (Mike) Nagel, Brian (Jenny) Anderkay, Christina (Craig) Spierings, Megan Lindgren, Kendra Lindgren, Jordan Lindgren, Bradley (Kelsey) LaPierre, and Mitchell (Krista) LaPierre. He was also adored by his great-grandchildren: Rylan, Elias, Lucy, Henry, Corbin, Kayden, Amelia, Benjamin, Edward, Joseph, Juliana, Thomas, Michael, Aaliyah, Andre, Amari, Ayden, Grayson, Hadley, Maverick, and Beckett.
Dick is further survived by his siblings, Harv (Alice) Rottier, Bob Rottier, Cathy Rottier, and Jean Rottier, as well as in-laws, Janice Rottier, Joyce Rottier, Richard VanderLinden, Roger (Jeanne) VanderLinden, and Rose Kramer
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his beloved children, Paul and Alice; his grandson, Jeffie Larson; his siblings and siblings-in-law, Ray Rottier, Bernard (Geri) Rottier, Patricia (Bob) Goffard, Gerald (Janice) Rottier, James Rottier, Rita (Dale) VanErem, Peck Rottier, Jean Rottier, Grace (Pete) Calaway, Don (Donna) VanderLinden, Carl (Ann) VanderLinden, Ken VanderLinden, Julaine VanderLinden, Jerry (Sandy) VanderLinden, Joe Kramer, and Norbert (Sharon) VanderLinden; and his mother and father-in-law, August and Frances VanderLinden.
Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1305 Lourdes Ave., De Pere on Wednesday, January 29 from 9:00 – 10:45AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM with Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family.
The family extends their deep appreciation to Marcy with the VA Hospital and the staff of Unity Hospice, especially Julie.
In a testament to the deep respect and admiration for this remarkable man, nine members of Dick’s family across three generations have been honored with the name Richard. His legacy, both in name and spirit, will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched and through the love he so generously shared. |