Kenneth David Rothenbuehler, 87, a longtime Janesville resident, passed away on July 01, 2025 at MercyHealth Hospital after a short illness. He was born April 23, 1938 on his parent’s farm in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Jake and Minnie (Kraus) Rothenbueheler. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1955, and Ken proudly served in the U.S. Airforce serving from 1958 to 1962 as a radar reporting operator with a portion spent overseas in Japan. On June 20, 1964 Ken married Doreen Baumgartner and moved to Janesville, Wisconsin. He worked for Frank Distributors and then worked for Chambers and Owen as a salesman for 34 years.
Ken was an avid outdoorsman and taught his son, daughter, and nephew, Ron how to hunt and fish. He enjoyed trap shooting, shooting pool, and playing cards – where he was known to be a tough-to-beat euchre player. He enjoyed flying and was a licensed single-engine commercial pilot. Ken was an avid car enthusiast and liked to praticipate and attend many of the local shows. Ken was also a dedicated sports fan with Wisconsin’s UW and professional sports teams. He loved spending time with family and friends, and will be remembered for his sense of humor, wit, laughter, and smiles.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Doreen; two children, Michael Rothenbuehler of Cape Coral, FL and Michelle Casey (Brian Clarke) of High Point, NC; grandsons, Jonathan (Zandra), Jacob, and Jared Rothenbuehler; great-grandchildren, Henry, Abel, Michael J., and Rosella; siblings, Geraldine Stamm of Monroe, Rose (Orris) Withee of Brodhead, and Carol (Clarence) Kaderly of Brodhead; and numerous niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roy Rothenbuehler; brother, Roland Rothenbuehler; and sister, Mary Edwards.
Per Ken’s wishes no services will be held. Private burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net. Memorials may be given in Ken’s memory to either Rock or Green County Humane Societies.
