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John Rottinghaus Obituary
February 24, 1941 - January 1, 2026
John Eugene Rottinghaus, 84, of Waterloo, died Thursday, January 1st, at his home.
He was born February 24th, 1941, in Waterloo, the son of Firmin and Alma (Gales) Rottinghaus. He married Dessie (Farris) McBride on December 18, 1971, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilbertville.
John graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1959. He served in the United States Air Force and was a self-employed mechanic and farmer.
John is survived by Quentin McBride of Kansas City, Mo., Jennifer Schneider of Shell Rock, Victor Rottinghaus of Waterloo, Andrew Rottinghaus of Kansas City, Mo., Jason Rottinghaus of Ankeny, Rebecca Hergert of Ayton, Ontario, Canada, and Teresa Ryun of Kansas City, Mo.; 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and brothers, Steven Rottinghaus of Michigan and Gerald Rottinghaus of Waterloo.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Firmin and Alma Rottinghaus; his wife, Dessie Rottinghaus; and his siblings, Sandra Franken, James Rottinghaus, Michael Rottinghaus, and Cheryl Kolar.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 10th, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery in Gilbertville. Full military rites will be conducted at the grave by the American Legion Nugent Demuth Post 714, assisted by the Air Force Honor Guard.
A 3:30 p.m. Rosary will be held on Friday, January 9th, followed by public visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church.
Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on South Street is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be directed to: Don Bosco High School (Gilbertville, IA) or the School Sisters of Notre Dame (https://atlanticmidwest.org/give/online)
Online condolences can be left at www.hagartywaychoffgrarup.com.
Memories and Condolences
for John Rottinghaus
3 Entries
Jacqueline Schleusner Jorgenson
January 14, 2026
My brother, Ronald Schleusner, and I have been friends of the Rottinghaus twins and family since 1957. Kids growing up as neighbors and friends. Frank and Ruth Schleusner - Fermin and Elma Rottinghaus are long gone and now the twins as well. It's going to be lonely looking across the field knowing no one is there.
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Sam Nissen
January 10, 2026
John was a great mentor in the shop! John and Dessie where like parents for a time in a confusing time in my life, they will be missed.
Ethan Thomas Akin
January 7, 2026
John was a long time friend and client who would go out of his way to help. His diesel knowledge was legendary. The Mercedes-Benz was his life. Sad, but the friendship of Dessie, John and the family will go down in my memories. Gone but never forgotten. Tom Akin
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