Joseph Harvey Rottman, 66, of Laramie passed away on March 27, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV with his family by his side. He was born November 30, 1950 in Laramie to Clarence and Erma (Nielsen) Rottman.
Joe grew up in Laramie, graduating from Laramie High in 1969. Just after graduation, he was hired on with the UPRR and in 1970 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served on the USS New Orleans, stationed in San Diego. Joe received an honorable discharge in February 1974, resuming his career with the UPRR where he worked as a conductor/brakeman for 42 years. Joe retired in 2010 with the distinction of being the oldest brakeman in his district.
Joe married Gunta Hvastkovs in December 1977, this year would have marked their 40th wedding anniversary. Daughter Heather was born in May 1980. The family shared a love of camping and snowmobiling. Joe loved the mountains, spending time at the family cabin at Gramm, fishing at Lake Hattie and Nine Mile, and especially enjoyed a round of golf with friends and family. In 2011, a 3 month, 9000 mile trip to Alaska was marked off the Bucket List. The past 4 winters were spent in Fort Mohave, AZ, enjoying a reprieve from snow shoveling!
Joe was a proud veteran. He was a life member of both the VFW #2221 and Elks Lodge #582 and a member of the American Legion #14. Joe was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Joe is survived by his wife, Gunta, daughter Heather Tupper (Keith), brother Bob (Linda) Rottman, numerous cousins, dear friends and family members.
Graveside services will be held at Greehill Cemetary on Saturday, June 3rd at 11am with Military Rites. A celebration of life will follow at the Laramie Elks.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Laramie Elks #582 Charities in Memory of Joe Rottman, PO Box 1226, Laramie, WY 82073.
Joe was happiest in the warm sunshine playing golf or fishing, please join us in celebrating his life in your favorite golf (or outdoor) attire.
Love to you and Heather, Gunta! We were so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. What a great guy. He will be missed.
Dear Gunta and Family, Joseph and I want to extent our condolences to you and yours. Joe was such a likeable young guy, always would greet us at the Elks with a beer in hand, and that will be our memory of him. So very sorry for your loss. Patsy and Joseph Vigil
Gunta Please accept our condolences at this time of your loss. We have fond memories of playing golf at the Country Club and times at the Elks. We are so sorry for your loss.
Bob and Verl-Lee Ely Gunta, we are so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We remember all the good times we had playing golf and the Country Club and times at the Elks. Please accept our condolences at your time of need.
To Gunta, Heather, Keith & of course all Family and Friends: Our most, very heartfelt condolences. What a wonderful man, husband and father & a truly amazing person to have been blessed and graced to have the privilege to know. He, most definitely won't be forgotten & will forever remain in our hearts.
Gunta and Heather, We are so sorry to hear of Joe's death. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We know that God is holding Joe in His hands. He is looking down from Heaven and will give you the strength you need to recover from this time of sadness.
Sorry for your loss you and your family are in are prayers