Walter David Rothe

Walter David Rothe was a blessing on earth November 12, 1936 and peacefully passed away at home on May 24, 2022. Walt was born in Chico California to Judge William Edgar Rothe and Jean Rothe. His sister June Rothe-Barneson preceded his death in 2013. Walt met the love of his life Patricia Mikkelsen at Trinity United Methodist Church as teenagers and as neighbors they walked to school together. They lived life lovingly hand in hand for 64 years together in the home they reside today in Chico. They raised two children, Walter Craig Rothe and Cindy Rothe Caswell to cherish family and time together. Family Summers spent in an isolated cabin on Quesnel Lake, British Columbia, Canada were the highlights of each year. As time passed the love that filled the cabin overflowed with grandkids and great grand kids will feel the love that Walter and Patricia’s legacy created. While sitting on the porch at the cabin on Lynx Pt, Walt developed a love for reading and collecting books about British Columbia adventures and history. He proudly collected over 2000 books reading and sharing each one. Walt developed a love for tools while working at Pat’s Mom and Dad’s hardware store in Chico, and over the years, built his own speed boat that carried many water-skiers over surrounding lakes near and far. He was a master woodworker, welder and supporting creator for his artistic wife Pat. His automotive expertise restored his first car, a 1936 ford for his son at 16 years old. Although building and creating at home was his passion, Walt was honored many times as exemplary employee for his work as storekeeper for Chico Unified School District for over 30 years. Walter was grateful for Pat’s dedicated love and care over the years. He was also loved and supported by his family Craig and Laurie Rothe, their sons Branden and Chad, Branden’s wife Tonna and Grandkids Abigail & Daniel. Their daughter Cindy, husband Jeff Caswell and their two children Brittany and Mitchell were blessed to be part of such a close-knit loving family. Walt’s family whom he was so proud of included his nephew John Barneson III and niece Jean Barneson Ponciano and their entire families. The love of his many lifelong friends and extended family in Chico were cherished. Their dinner table extended to accommodate their huge family dinners which Walt loved. As their family gathered face to face, they blessed God for their love and grace. Although Walter David Rothe has left our earth, his smile, stories, extra ordinary wisdom and love for family will overflow to generations to come. A graveside service will be held at Glen Oaks Memorial in Chico on Wednesday June 8, 2022 at 10:00 am and followed with a celebration of life at Red Tail Orchard Home 10000 Fimple Road Chico, California. In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, UC Davis Eye Center or Trinity United Methodist Church.