Obituary: Corwin Rotta, 88, Ludington.

Corwin Rotta

Obituary: Corwin Rotta, 88, Ludington.

Corwin John Rotta, 88, of Ludington, Michigan, passed away Thursday, September 20, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 20, 1930, in Ludington, the son of Capt. Bernard and Velma (Phillips) Rotta.

Corwin married Sharilyn Kay Kucaj on April 2, 1966, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ludington.

Corwin joined the Army in 1951, serving in Germany until receiving an honorable discharge in 1953. He was a devoted member of the Edwin H. Ewing American Legion Post #76, proudly serving as a member of the Honor Guard for many years. He worked for C & O Carferry for 40 years, at times sailing under the direction of his father, Capt. Barney Rotta, and retired in 1991.

Corwin “Heinie” was an avid golfer, and longtime member of Lincoln Hills Golf Club, scoring a Hole-in-One not once, but twice. Playing darts was another of his passions for many years. He cultivated the most beautiful gardens and blessed many with healthy, organic produce year after year. His home often smelled of his delicious cinnamon rolls and freshly baked bread. He was well-known for his famous pickles, and his recipe has been shared throughout the generations.

Heinie never went anywhere without his trusted and beloved four-legged companion, Barney, by his side. He always had a smile and a kind word for the many people he met while walking the streets of Ludington.

Corwin is survived by: his wife, Sharilyn; sister, Velma “Noni” (Gregory) Kozlowski of Fountain; sons, Thomas Wayne Keneipp of Redondo Beach, California, and Corwin Kurt Rotta of Grand Rapids; daughters, Deborah Kay (Charles) Lunde, and Kimberly Dianne Alexander, both of Ludington. “Bonko” so loved his grandchildren, Jamie L. Lunde of Ludington, Lauren A. Lunde of Avon, Colorado, Michael S. Alexander of Kalamazoo, and Morgan K. Alexander of Van, Texas.

He was truly blessed to have Maureen Goulet, and her daughter, Marjorie Goulet, who are considered family, in his life.

He is also survived by: brothers-in-law, Frank Powers and Bruce (Doris) Kucaj; and sisters-in-law, Delores Rotta, Gerrianne Christensen, Kathie Olson, and Marah Kucaj-Oseland; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert J. (Clara) Rotta, Russell R. Rotta, Bernard F. (JoAnn) Rotta, and Bernard R. “Ricky” Rotta; sisters, June F. Powers and Patricia R. (Hilary T. Kozlow and 2nd husband, Harland Hoover) Hoover; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alan A. and Catherine O. (Brockhaus) Kucaj; and brothers-in-law, Richard (Frances) Kucaj and Thomas A. Olson.

A special thank you to Hospice of Michigan, especially his loving and devoted aide, Pat, who he looked forward to seeing and who cared for him with the utmost compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 5, 2018, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 209 N. Rowe Street, Ludington. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 209 N. Rowe Street, Ludington, MI, 49431; American Legion Post 76 Honor Guard, 318 N. James Street, Ludington, MI, 49431; or Hospice of Michigan.

Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com