Joseph C. Rothenberger of Winter, Wisconsin passed away at his residence at the age of 85 on Thursday, April 8, 2021, only eighteen days after losing his beautiful wife of sixty-seven years. He was born on September 18, 1935 to the late Henry C. and Violetta M. (Ross) Rothenberger.

Joseph married Helen M. Cox in 1953. He was a hardworking and loving family man with a heart of gold. He retired from Ceco Construction in Chicago, Illinois after fifty years of service. He built the very home in which he and Helen retired. Wildlife could often be found strolling through their property, including bears! They also had horses, chickens, and a rooster throughout the years. Joseph was so very passionate about gardening, working up to eighty acres of ground. He was an avid deer hunter and participated in pool and dart leagues. He was also a huge jokester.

Joseph is survived by his sons, David W. Rothenberger and Billy R. Rothenberger, both of Winter, Wisconsin; daughters, Brenda J. McGarry of Winter, Wisconsin and Debbie J. Dombroski of Belvidere, Illinois; sisters, Rosemary M. Linde of North Fort Meyers, Florida and Melvena M. Ward of Ridgeville, Indiana; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Henry C. and Violetta M. (Ross) Rothenberger; wife, Helen M. (Cox) Rothenberger; son, Joseph J. Rothenberger, Jr.; brother, Omer R. Rothenberger; and granddaughter, Tammy S. Valko-Trobiani.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM in Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 North State Road 3, Muncie with funeral services immediately following at 2:00 PM, also in the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Visit https://www.stjude.org/donate for more information. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com .

COVID-19 Limitations: Effective Monday, February 8, 2021, Garden View Funeral Home and Gardens of Memory Cemetery are limited to a maximum of 50 people wearing masks inside or outside. Once the maximum is reached, additional visitors will be permitted for entry only as others exit. No outside food or beverages are permitted to be brought in at this time. Thank you for your cooperation.