Dorothy Jane Wood Rothert, 83 of Warsaw passed away in her home in the presence of her children on May 29, 2024 from a new diagnosis of cancer.
She was born November 4, 1940 near Arcola, IL the daughter of Philip Logan Wood and Freda Irene Bright.
Dorothy graduated valedictorian from Arcola High School with the class of 1958. Following graduation Dorothy attended University of Illinois obtaining her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. While at the university, she met and married the late Rodger Rothert on June 17, 1962 and settled in Sutter, Illinois.
Dorothy had been a farm wife for 23 years when she divorced Rodger in 1985. She was able to utilize her chemistry degree working in environmental laboratories in Peoria, IL first as a tech working her way up to project manager when she retired in 2007.
During her lifetime, Dorothy enjoyed being a 4-H leader, home extension member and election board member for many years.
In her early adult years, Dorothy really enjoyed all kinds of music and was classically trained pianist participating in contests and accompanying a multitude of soloists including her children. She also really enjoyed all the sporting events and contests her children were in and rarely missed an event.
In her mid-adult years she enjoyed providing to her children and grandchildren multiple crocheted and knitted items. Each grandchild had received an afghan with a personalized label saying “Made with Love, Dorothy.”
In her time off, Dorothy truly enjoyed the Illini Basketball program and was an avid fan throughout her life. She was known to take time off work in order to watch March Madness tournament comparing her bracket to not only her son, Steve but many others. Another passion for Dorothy was putting together jigsaw puzzles which helped her stay “sharp as a tack” prior to her passing.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her ex-husband and father of her children Rodger Rothert and two sons-in-law, Michael Kraus and Travis Weigand.
She is survived by her children, Diana (James) Norris of Austin, TX, Laura Weigand of Warsaw, IL, Steven (Lorri) Rothert of Jackson, MO and Jessica Rothert of Brimfield, IL as well as eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held at her residence 1575 Main Street Warsaw, IL from 2 – 6 p.m. with an informal service at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024.
Those who wish to remember Dorothy in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Geode Glen Park Project. Mail to Warsaw Park District C/O Fred Shoup, 935 Crawford Street, Warsaw, IL 62379.
The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com
