THOMAS JAMES (TOM) ROTHE
THOMAS JAMES (TOM) ROTHE
Tom was born in Dennison, Iowa, on March 16, 1950, to Ervin and Pearl (Butler) Rothe. Tom was the second of 4 children. As a child, the family moved to Sioux City, IA, where he spent his school years, graduating from Heelan High in 1968, where he excelled in sports. Tom was drafted into the Army in 1968. He was stationed in in Chicago, IL, for a time, training military dogs. He was with the Military Police and had a Top Security Clearance. From there he spent time in Vietnam, Korea and Japan. He was discharged in 1972.
Tom then continued his career in sales, starting with Kinney Shoes. As a Manager he was transferred to Aberdeen, SD, where he met and married Patricia DeVine in 1974. A son, Christopher, was born in 1976. In 1978 the family moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area where he continued his career in various sales positions, culminating with a business with his wife buying and selling truckloads of furniture and appliances. His son often said he could sell “ice to the Eskimos!”
In 2015 Tom and Trish retired and moved to Britton. He continued to use his sales skills as he and Trish assisted their friend, Paulette Kelsey with Estate Sales.
Family meant everything to Tom. He helped coach Chris in baseball and football in Little League, and was his biggest (and loudest!) fan in the stands at hockey and football in High School and College. He was so proud of his grandchildren and loved attending their activities. He especially enjoyed spending time at the family farm, whether riding 4wheeler with family or riding the lawn mower.
He will be missed by his wife, Trish, of 50 years; his son, Chris (Heather) of Rochester,MN;grandchildren, Kennedy, AJ and Zachary; Jamie Rothe, sister, Theresa (Al) Cooper, Indianapolis, IN, brother, Stephan Rothe, Sioux City, IA, sisters-in-law, Karen DeVine, Britton and Karen Rothe, Sioux City; nephews, Jason DeVine and Ian Cooper; nieces, Stephanie Rothe and Heather DeVine; and many extended family members and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Charles, brother-in-law, Myles DeVine and niece, Kimberly Rothe.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Trish Rothe – PO Box 224 – Britton, SD 57430.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com