Joseph Rothbauer

Joseph Patrick Rothbauer, 92, of Battle Creek died Saturday September 8, 2012. He was born March 17, 1920 in Pekin, IN, fourth of twelve children to Anton and Julia (Szosz) Rothbauer.
He grew up in Pekin and Henryville, IN, attending school in Henryville, IN. Joseph joined the CCCs in 1938 stationed at Clark State Forest, Henryville, IN. He served in the U.S. Navy from January 1940 until January 1946. He was a Gunner’s Mate stationed aboard the USS Pennsylvania on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Joe attributed his Catholic faith for sparing his life during the attack. He was coming back to his ship from Mass. If he had been at his battle station he would have joined the rest of his crew who were killed or wounded. Joe manned a machine gun and continued the fight. He also saw combat in the European-African campaign aboard a sub chaser and participated in the Philippine Liberation.
After the war, he was a truck driver in New York City. He operated a gasoline station in Hempstead, NY. He moved to Battle Creek in 1947 and took a job at Percy Jones Army Hospital. In 1950, he was hired by the Eaton Corporation, retiring in 1980 with 30 years of service. He also worked part-time at Lloyd Kester’s Standard Service station for many years and operated his own Texaco Service station at Capital and Columbia Ave. in the mid 50’s.
Joe and his wife Maxine lived at 96 Poplar St. from 1967 until moving to Sebring, FL in 1992. Maxine passed away in April 1996. He moved back to Battle Creek in 1997, and then in 1998 he moved to southern Indiana to live with his sister Helen. He returned to Battle Creek in 2000 and lived alone until 2010 when he then resided with his son and daughter-in-law until his death.
Joseph is survived by, a son, Joseph J. (Barbara) Rothbauer, grandchildren, Christopher Rothbauer, Toni (David) Gebeau, step-grandchildren, Duane (Susan) Eifler, Robert (Wendy) Eifler, great grandchildren, Dayton and David Gebeau, step-great grandchildren, Katelyn and Alex Eifler, Tyler Eifler, Nathan, Andrew, and Miranda Maddox, brothers, Henry (Dot), Michael, Charlie (Libby), Stephen (Linda) Rothbauer, and a sister, Helen Meyer. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, Evelyn (Finkel) and Maxine (Hargus), brothers, Anton, Frank, George, and Leslie Rothbauer, and sisters Matilda Meyer and Ethel Rothbauer.
His Catholic faith carried him through life to live as a humble man, a private man, and a loving family man. He enjoyed fishing, hunting in his earlier years, computer solitaire, and a handheld poker game which he played several times a day in his later years. Joe loved going to the casino especially on his birthday. He was in the Navy Reserves, a member of VFW, and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Funeral services will be held 11am Thursday September 13, 2012 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Family will receive friends 1 hour before services. Interment to follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church or Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.

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