Roy John Bottjer

Roy John Bottjer, 85, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 10, 2026. Born June 20, 1940, in The Bronx, New York, Roy lived a life marked by professional accomplishment, deep family bonds, and a zest for adventure.

Roy graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in The Bronx before earning a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Capital University in Ohio. His education laid the foundation for a remarkable 34-year career in specialty cement sales and marketing with the Universal Atlas Cement Division of US Steel, later Lehigh/Heidelberger Cement. From 1964 to 1988, Roy excelled in his field, earning accolades and respect as an industry leader. After retiring from his primary career, he continued to share his expertise as a technical consultant with AluChem and Strategic Analysis Inc.

Roy achieved numerous professional milestones during his career. He served as Division Chair of the Refractory/Ceramics Division and Chairman of the Associates Group of the Refractories Institute. He was honored as an elected Fellow of the American Ceramic Society and received recognition for his contributions to the refractories industry by UNITECR. Among his many accolades was the prestigious Planje Award presented by the St. Louis Section of the Refractory/Ceramics Division.

Roy’s professional success was exceeded by his devotion to his family and his passion for life. He shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Carolyn Schild Bottjer. Together, they raised two sons: Gary Craig Bottjer (married to Katie Gentile Bottjer) of Macungie, Pennsylvania, and Greg Andrew Bottjer (married to Deborah Schonauer Bottjer) of Chicago, Illinois. Roy was also a proud grandfather to Erica Bottjer Flammer, Ryan Kimberly Bottjer, and Nathan Riley Bottjer, who lovingly called him “GB.” Roy was predeceased by his parents, Martin Bottjer and Johanne Tacke Bottjer, who came to the United States from Germany; and his older brother, Robert Martin Bottjer.

True to his German heritage, Roy possessed an innate wanderlust that took him across the globe. His career allowed him to explore much of the United States, and he traveled extensively throughout Europe and South America with Carolyn by his side. Many of these adventures were enjoyed aboard cruise ships, where incredible memories and new friends were made.

Roy was well known for his masterful storytelling and charismatic personality, and he had an uncanny ability to turn acquaintances into lifelong friends. He made it his mission to put smiles on the faces of everyone he encountered.

A man of faith, Roy had a deep connection to the Lutheran church and once even considered pursuing a calling as a pastor. His spiritual foundation was reflected in his warm heart and generous spirit. He was a diehard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Yankees and had an impressive collection of baseball caps to support his teams. Roy also cherished time spent with family and friends at their condo in Ocean City, Maryland. He relished sitting on the balcony overlooking the ocean with a cocktail in hand, savoring the salt air and taking in the view.

Roy’s memory will live on through those who knew him best and loved him most.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on April 18, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm Street, in Emmaus. There will be a calling period beginning at 10:30 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Food Pantry, Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, PA and Lutheran World Relief.