September 27, 2012
Carl's Obituary 
Carl J. Rotman, 90, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Thursday morning, September 27, 2012, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa, Iowa.
Friends and family may gather to celebrate Carl's life from 4 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. A private graveside service and burial was held from Alexander Levi Section of Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, Iowa.
Carl J. Rotman was born on September 11, 1922 in Manchester, Iowa, to Abraham and Fannie (Spilka) Rotman. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1940 and then immediately went to work at Prendergast Studebaker Dealership in Dubuque where he worked as the service manager. He then served in the military during World War II in the European Theatre from 1944 to 1946 receiving his honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant. He married Rose Rosenbaum. She preceded him in death in 1969. He married Linda Schoenthaler on March 29, 1974 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Upon returning home from his military service, Carl worked again for a short time with Prendergast Studebaker in Dubuque. On March 1, 1950, Carl and Irv Handel opened a Studebaker Dealership in Maquoketa. In 1952, Carl bought out Irv Handel and the business was named Rotman Motor Company which Carl owned and operated until selling the business to Tom Timmerman on March 1, 2000.
Carl was devoted to his community and was generous with his time, talent and resources. He was a member of the Maquoketa American Legion Post #75, and a lifetime member of the Jackson County Historical Society. Additionally, he was a charter member of the Maquoketa Optimist Club.
Those left to honor his memory include, his wife, Linda Rotman of Maquoketa, IA; a son, Robert Rotman of Chicago, IL; a step-daughter, Anne (Neal) Stocking of Omaha, NE; and 2 step-grandchildren, Jeff and Chris Stocking. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Rose, a daughter, Susan, brothers, Jake, Sam, Nathan and Charles, and a sister, Betty.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Jackson County Historical Society, Hospice of Jackson County or the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Memories of Carl
Robert (Bobby as I knew you!), it's been a lot of years since we last met or talked but I can never forget the times with your mother, father, Susan and you...on most sunny Summer days - it gave so many memories. I'm sorry to learn of your fathers passing- he, and of course you will be in my thoughts.
Linda and Bob,
I'm so sorry for your loss. As Peggy mentioned, Carl was such a dear friend to my Dad and our whole family that his loss is particularly difficult to bear. One of the toughest things that followed my father's loss was telling Carl of the news. My whole family shares your grief and wishes you the strength and courage that is necessary during difficult times like these.
Rob, My family and I have your entire family in our prayers. Wishing all of you peace and I cans see the loving father that he was to your family. May his memory be eternal
I just heard the news, Linda. I'm so sorry for your loss. Mom and I were just talking about what a wonderful person Carl was, and how good he's been to those lucky enough to know him. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and your family.
I just heard the news, Linda. I'm so sorry for your loss. Mom and I were just talking about what a wonderful person Carl was, and how good he's been to those lucky enough to know him. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and your family.
How blessed we all have been to have had Carl in our lives! He meant so much to our family as well as the entire community; his legacy of love and unselfishness has, indeed, made this world a better place for us all.
It was a sudden shock when I heard of Carl's passing. He always seemed strong whenever I had the chance to see him, and shall be remembered as such to all those he left behind. Even though I'm several states away, my love and condolences go to Linda and Anne both. He was always high-spirited, and that is a light that will be sorely missed.
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Carl Rotman as I will always remember how devoted a friend he was particularly to my father. He and his family were always very kind to us and I know the Rotmans were held in high regard by mom and dad. It was a pleasure to know
Carl as a true friend of the family and as a good man. We will miss him. God rest his soul.
I was very saddened by the news of Carl's passing. Carl was such a wonderful friend to my dad and managed to stay close to him even after Dad retired and moved away from Maquoketa. All of our family appreciated Carl's friendship over the many years we lived in Maquoketa. My deepest sympathies to you, Linda and Bob.
Dear Linda and Rob, I am sad at the news of Carl's passing. He was a great neighbor and friend for what seems like forever. There is so much I could say but wish for you the peace that comes when you remember all the lives he has touched in his 90 years. He truly will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Carl's passing. We bought a lot of cars from he and Nat and spent a lot of time at the country club together - he will be sorely missed!.
Ann-My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I was so sorry to hear about Carl's passing. He was such a wonderful man and friend to our family. The love that he showed my parents and us children will remain in my heart always. I will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rotman family. I purchased my first car from Carl, a 1954 2-door Mercury, and purchased cars later in life from Carl. Carl was never pushy when making a sale but knew how to get the job done. He will be missed.
Linda and family, our prayers are with you. May God's love give you strength and hope.
I bought my first new car, a 1950 Studebaer from Handel-Rotman south of W. Grove St. 2nd a 1952 Studebaker at
the location by the Decker House. Carl always was cordial
& willing to serve me on my visits to Maquoketa since 1961.
Carl and his brother, Nate, were my parents' car dealers of choice when I was growing up..... sold my parents Big Blue that I drove in high school. Carl was such a wonderful guy - honest and upfront and he will be greatly missed! Rest well, Carl....you will be remembered with fondness by so many!
Linda and family, I am so sorry to hear of Carl's passing. I have known Carl for many years and he was such a great guy and is going to be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time
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Services & Events
VisitationTuesday, Oct 2, 20124:00 PM - 7:00 PM | |
Carson Celebration of Life Center | |
Service | |
Private Graveside Service and Burial | |
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