Rudolf Bothe

Rudolf "Rudi" Bothe, 95, of Swanton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Transitions Healthcare in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Born on December 9, 1929, in Göttingen, Germany, Rudi lived a life rich in experiences marked by resilience, hard work, and dedication.

Rudi's youth was shaped by the challenging times of World War II in Germany. With a mere forty-three dollars in his pocket, he made the brave journey to the United States, where he would forge a new life for himself. His perseverance led him to the University of Denver, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. Working part time in a local grocery store, Rudi developed a program for inventory control that would be implemented across the local Colorado chain. That early success, landed him in the telecommunications industry, paving the way for a successful career in electronics.

In the early 1970s, Rudi founded Global Telecommunications Company, which became a significant player in the field under his leadership until it was sold later in his career. His work in collaboration with the U.S. Government, specifically at the Underground Pentagon, continues to benefit us as United States citizens yet today. Even post-retirement, he continued to stay active in consulting, lending his expertise to various companies while contributing his knowledge to the field he loved. He devoted himself greatly to the Catholic Churches of Garrett county and ultimately achieved his goal of becoming Deacon.

Rudi's legacy extends to his family, who survive him. He is survived by his son Dan (and wife Roxanne) Bothe of Swanton, Md; Mike (and wife Dixie) Bothe of Winchester, VA; son Scott Bothe of Chambersburg, PA; grandchildren Kristin Snyder (and husband Jerry) of Winchester; JR (and wife Amanda) Bothe of Chambersburg, Kelly (and husband Mitchell) Prelip of Winchester, Nash Bothe of Cambridge, England, and Ashlyn Bothe of Conway, SC; great-grandchildren Cade of Athens, GA, Jacob and Bryce of Winchester; stepson Tyler Bowling (and wife Elizabeth) of Walhalla, SC, step-grandchildren Sherrie Wald, Adam Bowling, Constance White, Hannah Stancil, Heather Simpson, and Mary Ann Kirkland; Stepdaughter Holly (and husband James) Marshall of Gettysburg, and step-grandchildren James Scott Marshall Tyler Augustine Marshall. Rudy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Arden Tyler (Bean) Bothe, a loss felt deeply by his family.

A man of great intellect and determination, Rudi leaves behind a profound impact on those who had the privilege to know him. His contributions to electronics and telecommunications, along with his nurturing presence as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, will be remembered with deep affection.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Oakland. Interment will be in Garrett County Memorial Gardens.

Newman Funeral Homes, P.A., located at 1100 Memorial Drive, Oakland, Maryland, is assisting the family during this time.