Norman Glen Rothenburger Obituary
February 1, 1942 – November 14, 2025
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Norman Rothenburger on Friday November 14, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. Norman passed away peacefully at Tabor Home in Morden, with his family by his side. His life was rooted in farming, family, and faith, and his presence touched all who knew him.
Born to Alice and Reynold Rothenburger on February 1, 1942, Norman grew up on the family farm in the 1-6 district, where his love of farming and storytelling began. In 1962, he graduated with a diploma from the University of Manitoba School of Agriculture, where he made Aggie friends for life, friendships that remained strong through reunions and countless shared memories. He proudly farmed alongside his father and went on to become a Select Seed Grower for 46 years, receiving the Canadian Seed Growers Association’s Outstanding Seed Grower Award in 1993. Norman was an innovative businessman who paid close attention to detail and embraced new practices that strengthened the farm and community. For 35 years he also raised hogs and was among the first in the area to apply anhydrous fertilizer, setting new standards for efficiency and crop production.
In 1968, Norman married Esther, beginning a 57 year journey together filled with love, respect and devotion. Their marriage was a true partnership, whether working side by side on the farm, welcoming family and friends, or supporting one another through life’s challenges.
In 1972, they were blessed with their only son, Kelvin. Norman took great pride in teaching Kelvin about farming and working alongside him in the fields. He also loved cheering from the sidelines and coaching him in sports. Those years of raising Kelvin were filled with joy, and the bond between father and son remained strong throughout Norman’s life. In 2007, the family grew again when daughter in law Patti was welcomed with love.
Norman and Esther were later blessed with three grandsons, Andrew, Thomas and Lucas, who became the light of Norman’s life. There was always a sparkle in his eyes when he was with them. He loved farming, fishing and camping with his grandsons, playing sports and games, listening to songs and sharing stories that connected generations. Whether in the tractor, in the boat or around the supper table, Norman made every moment with his grandsons a memory to treasure.
Family was always at the heart of his life. He stayed connected across generations, valuing visits, reunions, vacations, shared meals, and the simple routines that brought them closer. His American family held a special place in his heart, and he looked forward to reunions filled with laughter and stories that strengthened their bond. Time with his brothers-in-law was also dear to him, whether golfing, fishing, hunting, or working together on the farm. Those moments gave him joy and lasting companionship.
Beyond farming, Norman enjoyed hockey, baseball, hunting, fishing and travel. As a youth, he played juvenile baseball, where his natural talent and competitive spirit first shone through. He later played with the Morden Bombers, earning the Most Gentlemanly Player award. He also played fastball with the Shadeland ball team, where his sportsmanship and love of the game were evident. In later years, he joined old timer hockey.
He gave generously of his time to the community. As a proud member of the Morden Elks Lodge, he served as Chaplain and volunteered at events such as the Annual Corn and Apple Festival and Lobsterfest, where he valued fellowship and service. In addition to his work with the Elks, Norman participated in many agricultural and church committees, reflecting his lifelong commitment to strengthening both his community and his faith.
Norman’s quiet faith guided his kindness, fairness and devotion to family and community. Even through health challenges, he remained steady in spirit, finding joy in the farm and the company of those he loved.
Norman taught us by example the value of hard work, humble generosity, and staying connected to the people and land that matter most. His stories, steady hand, and warm smile will be missed by his family, especially his grandsons who meant everything to him. He loved to joke and tease, filling every moment with laughter. His legacy lives on through them, in the values he instilled, and in the family and community he cared for so deeply.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Esther; his son Kelvin (Patti); and his three grandsons, Andrew, Thomas, and Lucas. He will also be remembered fondly by extended family and friends. Norman was predeceased by his father and mother, Reynold and Alice; his in laws, John J. and Helena Zacharias; three brothers in law; two nieces; and other special family members.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Menzies Medical Centre, Boundary Trails Hospital and Tabor Home for their excellent and compassionate care. Special thanks to family and friends for their visits and support, to Janet Nedohin for preparing the funeral lunch, to church members for assisting with the service, and to Wiebe Funeral Home for their professionalism and compassion. We are also grateful to Rev. Carrie Martens for officiating the funeral service and for the comfort and guidance she provided during this time of grief.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Norman's memory to either the Menzies Medical Centre (130-30 Stephen Street, Morden, MB R6M 2G3) or to the Pembina Parish Building Fund (353 Thornhill Street, Morden, MB R6M 1M8).
February 1, 1942 – November 14, 2025
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Norman Rothenburger on Friday November 14, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. Norman passed away peacefully at Tabor Home in Morden, with his family by his side. His life was rooted in farming, family, and faith, and his presence touched all who knew him.
Born to Alice and Reynold Rothenburger on February 1, 1942, Norman grew up on the family farm in the 1-6 district, where his love of farming and storytelling began. In 1962, he graduated with a diploma from the University of Manitoba School of Agriculture, where he made Aggie friends for life, friendships that remained strong through reunions and countless shared memories. He proudly farmed alongside his father and went on to become a Select Seed Grower for 46 years, receiving the Canadian Seed Growers Association’s Outstanding Seed Grower Award in 1993. Norman was an innovative businessman who paid close attention to detail and embraced new practices that strengthened the farm and community. For 35 years he also raised hogs and was among the first in the area to apply anhydrous fertilizer, setting new standards for efficiency and crop production.
In 1968, Norman married Esther, beginning a 57 year journey together filled with love, respect and devotion. Their marriage was a true partnership, whether working side by side on the farm, welcoming family and friends, or supporting one another through life’s challenges.
In 1972, they were blessed with their only son, Kelvin. Norman took great pride in teaching Kelvin about farming and working alongside him in the fields. He also loved cheering from the sidelines and coaching him in sports. Those years of raising Kelvin were filled with joy, and the bond between father and son remained strong throughout Norman’s life. In 2007, the family grew again when daughter in law Patti was welcomed with love.
Norman and Esther were later blessed with three grandsons, Andrew, Thomas and Lucas, who became the light of Norman’s life. There was always a sparkle in his eyes when he was with them. He loved farming, fishing and camping with his grandsons, playing sports and games, listening to songs and sharing stories that connected generations. Whether in the tractor, in the boat or around the supper table, Norman made every moment with his grandsons a memory to treasure.
Family was always at the heart of his life. He stayed connected across generations, valuing visits, reunions, vacations, shared meals, and the simple routines that brought them closer. His American family held a special place in his heart, and he looked forward to reunions filled with laughter and stories that strengthened their bond. Time with his brothers-in-law was also dear to him, whether golfing, fishing, hunting, or working together on the farm. Those moments gave him joy and lasting companionship.
Beyond farming, Norman enjoyed hockey, baseball, hunting, fishing and travel. As a youth, he played juvenile baseball, where his natural talent and competitive spirit first shone through. He later played with the Morden Bombers, earning the Most Gentlemanly Player award. He also played fastball with the Shadeland ball team, where his sportsmanship and love of the game were evident. In later years, he joined old timer hockey.
He gave generously of his time to the community. As a proud member of the Morden Elks Lodge, he served as Chaplain and volunteered at events such as the Annual Corn and Apple Festival and Lobsterfest, where he valued fellowship and service. In addition to his work with the Elks, Norman participated in many agricultural and church committees, reflecting his lifelong commitment to strengthening both his community and his faith.
Norman’s quiet faith guided his kindness, fairness and devotion to family and community. Even through health challenges, he remained steady in spirit, finding joy in the farm and the company of those he loved.
Norman taught us by example the value of hard work, humble generosity, and staying connected to the people and land that matter most. His stories, steady hand, and warm smile will be missed by his family, especially his grandsons who meant everything to him. He loved to joke and tease, filling every moment with laughter. His legacy lives on through them, in the values he instilled, and in the family and community he cared for so deeply.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Esther; his son Kelvin (Patti); and his three grandsons, Andrew, Thomas, and Lucas. He will also be remembered fondly by extended family and friends. Norman was predeceased by his father and mother, Reynold and Alice; his in laws, John J. and Helena Zacharias; three brothers in law; two nieces; and other special family members.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Menzies Medical Centre, Boundary Trails Hospital and Tabor Home for their excellent and compassionate care. Special thanks to family and friends for their visits and support, to Janet Nedohin for preparing the funeral lunch, to church members for assisting with the service, and to Wiebe Funeral Home for their professionalism and compassion. We are also grateful to Rev. Carrie Martens for officiating the funeral service and for the comfort and guidance she provided during this time of grief.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Norman's memory to either the Menzies Medical Centre (130-30 Stephen Street, Morden, MB R6M 2G3) or to the Pembina Parish Building Fund (353 Thornhill Street, Morden, MB R6M 1M8).