Melvin J. Rothenberger, 81, of Topeka, died on Dec. 26, 2016. He was born Jan. 13, 1935, in a farm home near Oketo, Kan., the son of Oscar and Helen (Nance) Rothenberger.
Mel worked for more than 30 years for Union Pacific in the signal department. He was a pilot and loved flying along with farming and fishing. He farmed for years in Nebraska.
He is survived by his wife, Joan (Votroubek) Rothenberger, Topeka, and his son, Stanley (Morgan) Rothenberger, and three grandchildren, Victoria, Delaney and Cade Rothenberger, all of Topeka. He also is survived by his brother, Caryl Rothenberger, Overland Park.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka. A lunch will follow. No flowers please. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.