Dennis Wayne Rothermel

Dennis Wayne Rothermel, Professor Emeritus, passed away on October 5, 2025, in Asheville, NC at the age of 76 in the presence of his beloved companion of 14 years, Amy Janine Belanger.
Preceding him in death were his parents Russell and Adella Rothermel, and his older brother Terry Rothermel. He is survived by his sister Gaynelle (Rothermel) Winograd and his sister-in-law Kitsy Rothermel, as well as five nieces and nephews, Holly Rothermel, Jeffrey Rothermel, Greta Ruppert, Michael Winograd, Julie Winograd, and their spouses Michael Dettelbach, Naomi Neville, Matthew Ruppert, and Theresa Winograd. He was also survived by nine great nieces and nephews, Zoe, Claire and Rachel Dettelbach, Gwendolyn and Mary Rothermel, Alexander, Timothy, and Jacob Ruppert, and Clara Winograd.
Born in South Bend, IN, Dennis attended John Adams High School before earning his degrees in Philosophy, including his B.A. from Yale University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Subsequently, he pursued an academic career as a Professor of Philosophy at California State University, Chico, where he also served as Chair of the Philosophy Department for 11 years, and Interim Academic Vice-Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Undergraduate Education.
Dennis taught a range of courses, spanning critical thinking, continental philosophy, philosophy and AI, and philosophy and film studies. Primarily, his research interests explored the intersection of Continental philosophy and cinema studies. He published journal articles, book chapters, and book reviews, as well as delivering many conference papers and presentations. His publications on film include "Slow Food, Slow Film," "Heroic Endurance," and "Anti-War War Films," and book chapters on Joel and Ethan Coen, Clint Eastwood, John Ford, Bertrand Tavernier, Julie Taymor, and Aki Kaurismäki. He co-edited two volumes of essays, one focused on peace studies and another on film and media theory. Right up to his death, he was working on three new projects. Over decades, he had to keep building bookcases for his ever-enlarging library of books and films.
Beyond his academic passions, Dennis loved art, cooking, travel, museums, photography, watching baseball games, and living in Berkeley, CA and Black Mountain, NC after retirement. Throughout his life, he had cats as pets, including his most recent companion, Tin Tin. Annually, he joined the immediate Rothermel family for reunions at his parent's home on Pleasant Lake near Three Rivers, MI, followed by reunions in Boothbay Harbor, ME and Martha's Vineyard, MA. At these gatherings of twenty or more, Dennis initiated a solo tradition of cooking and preparing a taco dinner for all.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dennis's honor to BeLoved Asheville (helping those who were displaced by Hurricane Helene) or Culture's Edge (catalyzing sustainable living). Arrangements are under the care of Asheville Mortuary and Crematorium. Instead of a funeral, family and friends will hold private memorials celebrating his life and sharing memories.
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