Frederick Wayne Rothert

1947 - 2024

Frederick Wayne Rothert, 77, of Fort Wayne, IN, but most recently of Sun City, AZ, died December 4, 2024, in Hospice care.

His family was at his side when he passed following a seven-month battle with brain cancer.

Born on Nov. 25, 1947, he was a son of Carl and Dulanna Rothert. He grew up on the south side of Fort Wayne, across from Reservoir Park. He spent summers at the family cottage at Tri-Lakes and winters skating and sledding at the park.

He graduated from South Side High School in 1965, Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, in 1969, and obtained his teaching license in 1988.

His love of music started at a young age and he would go on to master several instruments. He was lead vocalist in numerous country, rock and oldies bands, releasing several records along the way.

He became music director at St Mary Mother of God Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, playing and singing there for 30 years. Fred served as cantor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for 40 yeasrs.

He was a long time and much loved English and history teacher at Leo Jr/Sr High School, retiring in 2012. He not only taught, but loved history, having all the world's events at a moment's recollection on seemingly any subject.

Fred was most recently a big part of the Sun City,AZ music scene after moving there in 2016 with his wife and son. He sang and played in numerous bands, and as a duet with his wife, throughout the years in Fort Wayne and Sun City. On top of that, he worked as a musician at his own church, Faith Presbyterian Church of Sun City. Fred also sang regularly at the Cowboy Church on Saturday afternoons at the Sun City

West Christian Church.

He was generous with his time and volunteered with Recorded Recreational Reading for the Blind and Meals on Wheels in Fort Wayne and Sun City.

An avid canoeist and lover of the outdoors, he traveled many miles of Indiana and Michigan rivers in his trusty blue canoe, braving rapids and sudden storms. He spent many hours hiking mountain trails since moving to Arizona.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Bonnie Rothert, their son, Ryan (Martha) Rothert, stepdaughters, Shari Zollner and Sheila Brown, a sister, Susan (Ed) Meyers, a brother, William (Macy) Rothert, two grandchildren, Chelsi Zollner and Zack Fuzy, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larsh Rothert.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by going to their website at www.stjude.org or by phone at (800)805-5856.

The Celebration of Life will be at St. Mary's Church on Saturday, December 21 from 2-4.