Richard Rotz Obituary

Richard Rotz

May 13, 1928 - July 26, 2025

Richard Warren Rotz of Decatur, IL passed away at Eastern Star Home in Macon, IL on July 26, 2025.

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, is in charge of arrangements. Funeral Service - Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Decatur. Visitation - Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Harristown Cemetery, Harristown.

Richard was born May 13, 1928, in Harristown, IL, seventh son and eighth child of Harry W Rotz and Elma Trimmer Rotz. He was raised on a farm and attended one room country schools. He attended Warrensburg High and graduated from Niantic High School. He proudly served in the US Navy from March 1946 – January 1948 as Yeoman, Third Class (Y3C)

Richard married Carlyn M Rose on February 14, 1953 in Decatur. They had been married for 66 years when Carlyn passed in December 2019.

Richard started as Jr. Accountant for Illinois Power Company on January 27, 1948 and retired as a Gas Serviceman on January 31, 1991 after 43 years.

He was first elected to Hickory Point Town Board in April 1961. He was a trustee for 29 years and town clerk for 24 years. During that time, he also served as Precinct Committeeman. He retired from the Town Board on December 15, 2014 after 53 years of service.

In the 1970s, he enjoyed coaching for Northwest Boys Baseball.

Richard said, "I came to faith as a young adult, joined Pilgrim Lutheran Church in 1960, and never looked back." He taught Sunday School for 25 years, some of those with Carlyn. He also served as an elder and a financial secretary at Pilgrim.

From a boy who stuttered, he became a speaker who was often sought after to give speeches for retirements, birthdays, Veteran's Day, etc. If you were at a family reunion, you knew to settle-in for his "talk-time"

Carlyn was tour director for the Macon County Farm Bureau and Richard was her sidekick. In the 18 years and 97+ trips, Richard would always start out the trip with a joke and would later share a story or two where he would manage to weave his faith and his country in them. He loved deeply and his faith in God, his love for his country and family was known to all who knew him. Richard and Carlyn enjoyed sharing their faith on a regular basis with the residents of Keystone Meadows (now Randall Residence).

Richard is survived by daughter, Gayle Lange and husband Stan of Decatur, IL; son, Mark Rotz and wife Julie of Mt. Zion, IL; grandchildren, B.J. Rotz, Annette Rotz, Karalee Misner, Jay Ruffner, Kevin Ruffner, Greg Lange, Chris Lange; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Tanglewood Village and Eastern Star Home for their wonderful love and care.

He was preceded in death by his wife, six brothers and one sister. Memorials: Pilgrim Lutheran Church and New Life Pregnancy Center.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home

2827 N Oakland Ave, Decatur, IL, 62526

217-875-1283