Tim Duane Roetman a longtime resident of Rockport passed away Sunday, October 10, 2010 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, Washington.
He was born in Woodstock, Minnesota on July 30, 1922. He graduated from Akeley High School. He was just a Minnesota farm boy, Dutch to the core, raised by a father whom decided that his four strong sons would be working that farm. So his work ethic was acquired at an early age. He had great “marks” in school, but college was out of the question. The farm came first.
About that time, he met Dorna Lemon at a dance in a neighboring town. Tall, strong and handsome, he was easy to notice. Mom liked to tell the story about the first time she saw Dad. He was in the parking lot of the dance hall, lifting up cars by the bumper, by himself! Always have to impress the ladies! But of course, the cars were much smaller then. The sparks flew, and the romance began.
But the war got in the way, and he was drafted quickly. He was tested, and again, did very well, so the Air Corp sent him to Ellington, Texas to flight school. Meanwhile, Mom had become a teacher, and began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, and lived for her “fly-boy’s” furloughs. On June 12, 1943, they met in St. Louis, Missouri, and ran down the street (yes, a long gown, and a dozen roses clutched in her hands,) and got married. Two days together and Dad was shipped overseas to Bungay, England with the 8th Air Force, 707th squadron, 446th bomb group. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.
He flew in the biggest air raid over Berlin in the history of WWII. He was a navigator, and flew the famous Liberator, B-24, (Goin’ My Way?) . They had missions all over Nazi occupied Europe. Right off the farm, scared to death, flying in sub-zero temperatures; those leather jackets were not issued just to look cool. It was really cold in a B-24. He blamed his poor circulation in those huge hands of his, because of the frostbite during the war, for the rest of his life.
He came home in 1944, and began a farm of his own, but Mom’s family had come to Washington, and the young couple decided to make the trip too. By this time they had four children. They settled in Burlington, WA and Dad went to work on a farm. The work was hard and the days were long. They moved to Marblemount, Washington soon after, and have lived there since that time. He worked at several places, and then went into a logging business.
After several years, he began a contracting business, and Roetman Construction was born. He built many of the local state parks, and many buildings, water systems, etc. In the meantime, after 40 years of marriage, he lost Mom. She died in 1984.
In February of 1997, he married Rose Casarez of Blythe, California, and they lived in Quartzsite, Arizona. He met Rose the same way as he met Mom—one look and she walked out of the American Legion Club in Blythe with Dad, infatuated with the handsome old guy in the cowboy hat. But April 1st would come around, and he longed to get back to his beloved Marblemount, and fish and hunt, and work. Then after Thanksgiving, he would take off for the winter to Arizona.
Dad outlived three of his children. That was difficult for him. He never really recovered after Gary’s passing two years ago. They had worked together and lived together for many years.
He retired two years ago, really, but still did the odd job around town up on that backhoe. Thanks to the Clark family-he was getting up in the morning, whistling while he went out the door, backfilling that water system at Clarks Cabin’s. So happy to be “ back in the saddle again.” That was just two months ago. How many people would hire an 88 year old guy to do that?? He was always busy, ran when he could have walked just as well, and had the stamina of a much younger man until age finally came knocking at his door. All of a sudden, my big ,strong, larger than life daddy got old. And it was hard to witness, because he never gave up. He still tried to do it all. He was a child of the Great Depression, and life was hard when he was a child. He never liked waste of any kind after that. He was a member of “The Greatest Generation,” and they didn’t call them that for nothing!! Hardly ever without the cowboy hat, he was still the boy off the farm right until the end. He worked hard, played hard, and loved hard. He had a positive outlook, and always tried to find the best in people.
He became very ill suddenly, and was gone in just five days. I laid my head on that big chest for the last time and heard his last heart beat, and I let my old cowboy go. He was my protector, my confidant, and my daddy. I will miss him forever.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Casarez-Roetman, of Blythe, California, a daughter, Vicki, (Mike) Frank, of Concrete. 4 Grandchildren; Tim Roetman, III and his wife Shanon, Dianne Aamot and her husband Doug, Michael W. Frank and his wife Kimberly, and Danielle Frank. 7 great-grandchildren; Ian Roetman, Justin Roetman, Owen Aamot, Gianna Aamot, Jocelyn Krieg, Ethan Frank, and Isabella Frank. 2 brothers; Marinus Roetman Jr of Akeley, MN, Alvin Roetman of Zimmerman, MN, and a sister, Katherine Elmes of Anchorage, AK. Step-children; Ida Marie Peebles and her husband Bob and Ray Armenta and his wife Sarah.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Dorna; a daughter, Dianne Roetman; 2 sons, Tim D. Roetman Jr. and Gary Roetman; an infant son, Terry Roetman, and a brother, Jacob Roetman.
A Life Celebration Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 15, 2010 at 1:00 PM at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Concrete with Pastor Marcus Stroud officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Doug Vose Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Summit Bank in Concrete.
Arrangements and Cremation are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Please share your memories of Tim and sign the online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com
May God continue to comfort you and your family as you remember Tim.
I met Tim when he and Rose married. Rose and I grew up together. She told me how much she loved Tim and I could see that everytime I was around them.
He was always smiling and busy. I now live in Salome, AZ next to some people who knew Tim before I did and they loved him. Bob Williams and Myrna Johnson. I called them tonight and sent them the link to the paloverdevalley times to read the Obituary for Tim.
May he rest in peace.
In Christ
Teena Conrad
Dear Vicki and Family: Roger and I were so saddened to hear of your recent loss. We happened to be in Montana at the time and surely would have been at his Memorial had we been in Concrete. Adrienne saved us the obituary and what a wonderful tribute you wrote about your Dad. I will always remember him as a friendly giant of a man. Having lost my Dad three years ago , I know and understand the sadness you are feeling. They truly were the “Greatest Generation” and in a class all their own. We send our love and prayers to your family.
We were at Clark’s Resort this summer and spent some time visiting with your father, and yes, watching him operate the backhoe on the big Bullerville water project. Your tribute to him is wonderful and he was, larger than life. My parents, Len and Ellis “Tex” Scott were also friends of your folks (who wasn’t that lived anywhere near Marblemount.) What a wonderful life we all lived growing up in the Skagit Valley.
My thoughs are with you.
We were at Clark’s Resort this summer and spent some time visiting with your father, and yes, watching him operate the backhoe on the big Bullerville water project. Your tribute to him is wonderful and he was, larger than life. My parents, Len and Ellis “Tex” Scott were also friends of your folks (who wasn’t that lived anywhere near Marblemount.) What a wonderful life we all lived growing up in the Skagit Valley.
My thoughs are with you.
Erva Vae Scott Hardy
Vickie, I am so sorry to hear about your lose. Our family new him very well.
Vicky,
What a wonderful description of your father. And how difficult to lose him so close to Gary’s passing. Please know I am thinking about you and your family.
Although I usually only see you at the Marblemount/Rockport school reuninons, our families have had a longtime connection. My mother was a good friend of your mother’s. (Gary actually remembered more about her than I do! My memories were too painful and I loved hearing Gary talk about her – when we were both attending WSU.) And Dianne – what can I say?
Do you remember the frequent arguments that our fathers had over which was more important to the success of the flight: the pilot or the navigatior?!! (If you don’t, remind me to tell you my favorite one of those stories.) I bet they are both now carrying on the argurment!
Vicki,
Growing up next door to your family was a very fun and enjoyable time. We had some great times with your dad. He was a very caring person and will be greatly missed. We talk about all the good times we spent together everytime we drive by the family home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lewis and Darla
(PS. Wouldn’t it be great to do it all over again? : )
Vicki:
It seems so hard to believe that Uncle Tim has passed away. I just saw him at my father’s (Nook Roetman) birthday celebration in June. He was just as I always remembered him, full of life, joking around but with a sense of kindness and sincere goodness in his heart. Reading the wonderful tribute you wrote made his life seem even more amazing. I always knew Uncle Tim worked hard and gave much of himself to others but his service to this country is something I never knew about in any detail. Typical of that generation and of him to just go do his job and to take it in stride.
I am so glad to have known him and to have called him Uncle Tim. I will miss him.
Kirk Roetman
dear vicky and family, tim was what we all loved he was a kind careing person . who loved the valley and the people that lived here. we will miss him and have the best memories of his humor and the good times he gave to all. much love to his family loving thoughts are with all of you.love jimand diane
Tomorrow, when we say good-bye to your Cowboy, we will also be keeping you all in our prayers then and in the days to come. We all love you very much and hope you can find some comfort in knowing that.
Vicky and Family
Our family has long known and loved the Roetman family. As kids, we grew up with, and went to school with, the Roetmans. Tim Jr and I went from the first grade through high school together.
One particular memory: Tim Sr. wanted his boys and other boys to be exposed to good beliefs and examples, so he became the leader of the Marblemount Boy Scout pack. Thanks to Tim, I had the opportunity to earn merrit badges and gain so many basic skills. He was there for me then, and he was always “on call.” On more than one night I stayed with Tim Jr at the Roetman home participating in Scout activities.
Our family friendship never waivered through the years…it just grew stronger. Our friend Tim is surely being missed. We send our love and condolences to Vicky and the Roetman family.
The Rudy Clark family
Thankyou for all that you were and all that you provided to our nation. You have touched so many through your example and lessons given to your wonderful children and the generations they have influenced. Rest in peace. I pray that the greatest generation will leave an indelible mark on our youth that will keep us on the right path.
Semper Fidelis
Jason Vose
Vicki,
What an incredible tribute to your father. I never realized how little I actually knew about him. You are so fortunate to have had him around for so long ,but then you know that.
Vicki and Family,
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad. Anyone lucky enough to know your family knows the love that was there. A big tribute to your Dad and Mom too is the woman you have become, because it shows the love they nurtured you with. Sorry to see all the people that made Marblemount a great place to grow up slowly leaving – but like your parents they leave good lasting memories. You never get over losing your Dad but the good memories fill the holes in your heart. Closing with love and prayers for you and your family. Geraldine Stafford Ammons
Vicki you paid a beautiful and loving tribute to your father. We are so sorry for your loss and know Tim will be missed very much.I’m glad you were with him as he passed onto his new life with the rest of his family who have gone before him. I’m sure he is riding in the open range, no rules, just Tim being Tim, Our love and prayers to you and your family in the days ahead. Love Les and Becki Hoover
I have known Tim since the early 1970’s, when I would go with his son Gary and Randy Wood on their annual Opening Day of Fishing Season Trip to Eastern Washington. On what was one of my favorite trips, we fished at Lake Chopaka, along with Tim and Dorna. Tim nailed a monster rainbow that day and I took his picture with my pocket camera. The photo turned out perfect, so I had an enlargement made and later presented it to him. I saw Tim earlier this year at church in Concrete, afterwards, he proudly stated that the photo I had taken was still on top of his TV set at home in Marblemount. During the next years season, I took a similar photo of Gary on Baker Lake. To his surprise, it was later published in the Fishing and Hunting News weekly paper. Gary’s rainbow wasn’t as big as the one his Dad had caught, but was still a beauty. I’ll finish in saying, I’m proud to have been a friend of Tim and Gary, and miss them both.
What a wonderful tribute to your wonderful Dad. Although my relationship with your family died with Diane, I have always had a warm spot in my heart for all of you. It is so great that Tim was vital to the end. You are lucky to have had such a loving Dad. I was with big sister Eunice in a “spot” in Concrete one night. Tim came in with Gary and right away walked up to us. He did not recognize me but did remember me. He was still a great looking guy and flirted no end with Sis. Warm memories….
Vicky, you have been such a lucky person to have had your Dad around all these years. I met him when I was quite young and working for my Dad. We poured concrete for him many times. The last time I saw him was when he had a project in Birch Bay and I was dispatching for a gravel company near there. He called and placed an order and we talked for a long time about old times. After work I drove to the job site. It was dark but your Dad was on the backhoe anyway with his lights on. He saw me and shut the backhoe down and we went for a drink at a local bar. We poured so much concrete and moved so much gravel at that bar!! That’s the Tim I remember and reading he was still on the hoe 2 months ago didn’t surprise me a bit. Tim, you are etched in my memory for ever.
Jerry Ross
I have been the Engineering Manager for Skagit PUD for the past 30 years.
It was an adventure and an honor working with Tim to install and establish a public water system for his neighbors in Rockport a few years back. His personal sacrifices and hard work saved each of his Rockport neighbors hundreds of dollars because the next bidder was much higher and would have handled the change orders differently for sure. Tim was an honest and responsible man in my book.
He bid the job low in order to get the job for his neighbors. I doubt if he got all of his money back when all was said and done, but he never complained to me about how the project went. He put his property and life savings up as bond to secure the job. And he got ‘er done. I feel that his neighbors owe him a debt of gratitude.
I was saddened to hear the news about Tim. He was a good man. I can see that he will leave a huge void among his family and large circle of friends.
I don’t care if the motorcycle gang rumor was true or not…he is a hero to many of us!
I was so sad tonite when I read that Tim had passed away. I read the obitruary and sat here and cried. My heart just breaks for you Vicki. Your mom was my first and second grade teacher and she and your dad always treated me so kindly. I remember when i was working at the TP Inn and they would always come in and then I would always see them at the dances at the legion, they really loved to dance. Its been a few years now since I saw him, but he always remembered me when i would run into him, or atleast he would pretend he did if not. He will be missed. God bless you and your family Vicki!!
I am really going to miss my uncle Tim. He was allways like my super hero. A big guy with a bigger heart. Goodbye Tim ,love RON.
Uncle Tim was a very driven man. He never let anything stop him through tragedy and happiness. I will miss him and was greatful to have a uncle like him.
Tim was a great asset to this community. He will be missed.