LAFAYETTE, IN – Johnny E. “John” Rothenberger, age 76, of Lafayette, IN, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at his home. He was born on November 23, 1946, in Lafayette, IN to Waymoth and Betty Rothenberger (Hale). He was a 1965 graduate of Dayton High School and worked as an engineering coordinator for Eli Lilly & Company for 31 years. On May 31, 1969, he married the love of his life, Margaret “Martie” Rigby, and together they began raising a family. John was a member of the NRA and the Single Action Shooting Society. In his free time, he enjoyed making lures for friends and family, as well as a resort in Arkansas. He even had his own business, the Johnny Spin Lure Company. John also made slingshots, loved hunting and fishing, as well as trap and skeet shooting. His grandchildren will always remember his love for peanut butter fudge!

John was preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Martie Rothenberger; daughter, Leslie Cannon Jeffries of Lafayette; sister, Susie Biesecker of Mulberry; grandchildren, Seth Cannon and Hannah Holmes (Brendan Firth) both of Lafayette; great grandchildren, Benson Firth of Lafayette, and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Crestview Community Church, 1400 Ortman Lane, Lafayette, IN 47909. A service will follow at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Thom Redman, also at the church. Interment will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Lafayette, IN. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Tuesday between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the church and/ or to American Cancer Society. For additional information and to view John’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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