Gary Lee Rothenbuehler

MADISON - Gary L. Rothenbuehler, 64, died peacefully Sunday, May 12, 2013 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born April 5, 1949, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to the late Robert R. and Grace A. (Fenstra) Rothenbuehler. He spent 4 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971. After his honorable discharge, he worked in plant maintenance for 15 years at Sioux Falls' Sioux Valley Hospital and 20 years at Madison's St. Mary's Hospital. He spent the past 4 years as a construction administrator for Henneman Engineering, the job he enjoyed the most.

Gary enjoyed many hobbies, including hunting, clay pigeon shooting, and fishing. He loved to bowl and golf and succeeded in getting a hole-in-one and bowling a perfect game. (Unfortunately, though, his bowling prowess did not translate to the family's annual Wii bowling tournament.) He was a fan of UW athletics, the Green Bay Packers, and the Milwaukee Brewers. He cherished spending time with his many friends and appreciated the visits and calls he received in his final days, particularly from Terry Phillips, Ellen Smith, and childhood friends Mark and Cheryl Lottman.

Gary will be missed for his great sense of humor, strength, and genuine giving spirit. A cherished husband and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 16 years, Elizabeth A. (Schultz Hofmeister), with whom he was ever thankful of sharing his life; two children from his first marriage, Melissa A. Babin of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Matthew R.; 3 grandchildren, Kayla D., Zachary P., and Aubrianna Babin; 1 great-grandchild, Kennedy Babin; two brothers, Randall R. (Debbie) of Chandler, Ariz., and Robert W. (Cindy) of North Mankato, Minn.; his niece, Abby and his nephew, Joe.

By marrying his "Lizbeth" on June 1, 1996, Gary expanded his family and became a beloved second dad to Liz's daughters, Jenny L. (William) Hamby of Plainfield, Ill., and Emily J. (Andrew) Zimmerman of Middleton, Wis. "Papa G" will be sorely missed by his 4 step-grandchildren, Maggie and Ryan Hamby and Grace and Nate Zimmerman, all of whom he loved and enjoyed as if they were his own.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, uncles, an aunt and cousin, as well as his dear friend Buck Marston.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pleasant View Golf Course, 1322 Pleasant View Road, Middleton. (Casual/golf attire is requested.)

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Agrace HospiceCare or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare and the UW Hospital TLC and F4/6 nursing staff, particularly Sara, Tara, Jessica and Cheryl. A special thanks to Dr. Sam Lubner and his nurse, Kathy Rothering, for their extraordinary care and compassion.