John ROTELL

1939 - 2024

John Leonard Rotell was born on August 1st, 1939, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and graduated from high school in 1957. He enlisted in the U.S Army in 1958 where he served as an Operating Room Technician for three years. He then attended Pennsylvania State University, graduating in 1964 as a Registered Nurse and then served in the Vietnam War at a "MASH" unit. He returned to civilian life in 1969, working in the nursing field in Alaska and Seattle, WA. John then met the love of his life in 1970 and after five days of knowing her, he proposed and married Darlene that same year. He then entered into the Air Force as a First Lieutenant in 1971 and served at several AF bases around the U.S and Asia. In 1975 John completed the Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Course at the USAF School of Health Care Sciences in Wichita Falls, Texas, and was certified through the University of Nebraska Medical School in 1976. He stayed in the Air Force and was stationed at Fairchild AFB that fall in 1976 where he and Darlene decided to stay and raise their children. After retiring from the Air Force in 1984, John chose to open up a business and pursue his passion and love for gardening. John and his wife, Darlene, owned and operated the Spearman Gardens Nursery for several years. John then became a Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant at Rockwood clinic and worked in the Urgent care department for many years. John spent his time doing what he loved most which was hunting, fishing, gardening, golfing and most importantly spending time with his family. He also had a love for music and was given the opportunity to not only be the Road Manager but also a background singer for the group "The Letterman." John lived a full and happy life being married to his wife Darlene and raising their two daughters. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He was an amazing man of many talents and a man of many catch phrases, and he impacted lots of people in his life. He was the best husband, father, grandfather and soon to be great-grandfather that anyone could have asked for. He will be missed greatly and will always be known as our Mr. Wonderful.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, of 53 years; children, Shawna and Maria; his five grandkids: Kaitlyn, Emily, Megan, Kyle, and Jonathan; and their dog, Darby, who will greatly miss his cookies.

Viewing will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Fri., Sept. 20, at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N. Division St., in Spokane.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30am on Sat., Sept. 21, at St. Thomas More Parish, 515 W. St. Thomas More Way, Spokane. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery following the service.