Norbert Richard Rothe's Obituary
Norbert (Bert) Ludwig Rothe was born May 5, 1936 to Ludwig and Helene Rothe in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. His mother passed away when he was 6 years old and his father married his stepmother, Hedwig, a few years later. His family endured hard times living in war torn Germany during World War II. His saving grace was playing soccer with his friends and he was popular with the local kids because he owned the only soccer ball in the neighborhood. At age 17, he decided to join his older brother, Fred Rothe, who had already immigrated to the United States. In Chicago, he worked as a machinist and met his wife, Elizabeth, in night school. They married in 1956 and had 3 children. In Chicago, Bert continued his love of soccer, playing competitively on local amateur soccer teams. He was proud to have played on the 1964 US Amateur Soccer Championship Schwaben Athletic Club Team . Throughout his life, he enjoyed encouraging everyone he spoke with about soccer. In 1969, the family moved to Miami, Oklahoma where they owned the Thunderbird Motel and Restaurant. Bert received his US citizenship in 1970. He loved his adopted country and loved singing patriotic songs. After selling the motel, he owned various businesses and eventually returned to being a machinist in Tulsa. After retiring, Bert enjoyed dancing with his beloved companion, Ann Moss, and being with his grandchildren as often as he could. He was very proud of all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would talk about soccer and his grandchildren with anyone who would listen. Bert passed away December 29, 2017. Bert accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church in Tulsa before moving to Broken Arrow in 2015 and joining Arrow Heights Baptist Church in Broken Arrow. Bert’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Broken Arrow Nursing Home for their loving care. A Celebration of Life Service is planned January 19, 2018 at 1pm at Christ United Methodist Church, 3515 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK. In remembrance of Norbert, those who wish may make a contribution in his memory to Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, 12620 E 31st Street, Tulsa, Ok 74146 or Broken Arrow Neighbors, 315 W. College, Broken Arrow, OK 74012 . Bert is survived by his daughter, Ursula Correll and son-in-law, Frank Correll of Broken Arrow, OK; son, Richard Rothe and daughter-in-law, Tracey Rothe of Springfield, MO; and daughter, Michele Janway, of Broken Arrow, OK; longtime companion, Ann Moss of Broken Arrow, OK; grandchildren, Lauren Correll, Nicole Correll, Matthew Rothe, Michael Rothe, Brady Janway, Hunter Janway, Keaton Janway and Marley Janway; step-grandchildren, Heather Muldoon, Chris Correll, Morgan Correll, Alexandra Correll, Nicholas Gilbert and Adrienne Nations; 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
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