Howard W. Rothgeb, Jr

May 12, 1942 - June 22, 2022

Howard W. Rothgeb Jr, 80, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at Georgetown Place, Fort Wayne. Born in Hoagland on May 12, 1942, to the late Howard Rothgeb Sr and Helen Berniece (Voirol) Rothgeb. Howard graduated from Madison Marion Consolidated High School (Hoagland High School) in 1960. He immediately joined the Navy and served aboard the Kearsarge. He was on board for the recovery of astronauts Walter Schirra in 1962 and Gordon Cooper in 1963 as part of the Mercury space missions. Upon returning home, he spent the next 35 years as an employee at Zollner Piston Plant in Fort Wayne. On September 27, 1992, he married Judith R. Hartman who preceded him in death on February 16, 2013. He enjoyed garage sales and collecting antique fruit jars. He was a member of the Midwest Antique Fruit Jar and Bottle Club and was always prepared to engage in conversations about the Navy or antiques. Howard was a member of St. Joseph's United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne. He is survived by his sons, Chris (Shelly) Rothgeb of Phoenix, AZ and Kevin (Jodi) Rothgeb of Indianapolis; stepsons, Steve (Pat) Hartman of Raleigh, NC, Craig (Marcella) Hartman of New South Wales, Australia, Scott Hartman of Manhattan Beach, CA, and Todd (Shelly) Hartman of Fishers; five grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; former wife, Diane Walters of Arizona; sisters, Marjorie (Robert) Link of Laotto, and Sally Gerardot of Woodburn; and devoted friend, Beverly Carney of Fort Wayne. Funeral service is 11 a. m. Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven with visitation one hour prior. Visitation is also 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 27, 2022, at the funeral home. Burial in the IOOF Cemetery. Preferred memorials are St. Joseph United Methodist Church. The family wishes to wholeheartedly thank the staff at Georgetowne Place and Eleos Hospice for their compassionate care during this difficult time. For online condolences please visit www.harperfuneralhome.com.