Kenneth Martin Rothrock, 76, died peacefully early Sunday July 17, 2016 at The Wood County Hospital after a battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer. His wife, son, and step son were at his bedside.
He was born in Caldwell, Kansas August 24, 1939 to Kenneth Marvin Rothrock and Burchie (Hodges) Rothrock. He grew up in Wellington, Kansas, attended Wellington High School where he excelled academically and served as the student body president.
Kenneth went on to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Education and a PhD in Sociology from the University of Kansas. He was a member of ATO Fraternity and enjoyed their reunions over the years.
After earning his PhD he taught Sociology at Bowling Green State University for 28 years, including time as the assistant dean of Arts and Sciences.
In retirement he and his wife Joan operated the Silver Spoon Antiques business. He also supported and volunteered for the Toledo Metro Parks and the Toledo Botanical Gardens.
He was a long time member of his beloved Poker Club and known for serving them his famous curried chicken salad.
Kenneth enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Merickel Farley Trout Club. He enjoyed vacationing with family and friends at their cabin at Moose Lake, Hayward, Wisconsin. He was a friend of Bill W. for the past 31 years.
Ken is survived by his wife of 24 years Joan, his step sons Benjamin Myers of Waterville and Scott Vayo (Mauricio Henao) of Lynn Mass. He is also survived by his three children Paul (Diane) Rothrock and their three children Nolan, Mason, and Nora Rothrock of Columbus, Ohio. Sarah Montgomery of Columbia, Tenn, and Nan Rothrock (Doug Snider) of Chicago Il. and his first wife and mother of his children Barbara Rothrock of Bowling Green, Ohio. Also surviving are his brother John (Janet) Rothrock of Topeka, Kansas and nephews John Steven (Cindy) Rothrock of Topeka and James Rothrock of Lawrence, Kansas.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Saturday July 23 from 10 am to 12 noon at the Peinert Dunn Funeral Home, 7220 Dutch Rd., Waterville, Ohio. A time to share memories and celebrate Ken’s life will be held at 12 noon.
Memorial donations are encouraged to a library of the donor’s choice. To leave an online condolence please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
