Charles James Rotkis

Charles James Rotkis died on December 7, 2022, at his home in Lancaster, Ohio. He was 83 years old. Born on May 18, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, the only child of Charles and Susan Rotkis. He spent his summers as a child in East Tennessee. He attended St George Catholic School and De La Salle Catholic High School. He was graduated from St. Ambrose College with a bachelor’s degree in history and earned a master’s degree from East Tennessee State University. He returned to Chicago, where he taught high school history and coached football at his alma mater, De La Salle. He married Judith (Judy) Lee Scheidt on August 20, 1966. Charlie left teaching to join General Electric, where he enjoyed a long career in lighting sales. In 1972, Charlie and Judy moved to Lancaster, Ohio, to raise their family. Charlie is survived by his wife, Judith, and seven children: Susan Rotkis (m. Patrick DeConcini), Michael Rotkis (m. Jill Germuska), Karen Rotkis (m. Brad Grywalski), Thomas Rotkis (m. Colleen Dunbar), Matthew Rotkis (m. Shane Kennedy), William Rotkis, and Peter Rotkis (m. Jesi Carlson). He was a loving grandfather to 13 grandchildren; Theresa and Luke DeConcini; Emma, Joseph, and Andrew Rotkis; Katherine, Caroline, and Charlotte Rotkis; Oliver, Jude, and Gabriel Rotkis; Lydia and Rex Rotkis.

Charlie was devoted to his Catholic faith. He valued the Catholic Church and especially Catholic education. He was active as a parent and supporter of St. Mary School and William V. Fisher Catholic High School, where all of his children were educated. Following his retirement from GE, Charlie enjoyed traveling, reading, catching up with old friends and family, and serving as a docent at the Sherman House museum in downtown Lancaster. Charlie loved all athletics, believing in the development of body and mind, fostering inclusion, responsibility, and teamwork.

Charlie loved music, which he shared with his children and anyone who was trapped in the car with him. He was known to be an independent food critic, who was not afraid to offer his opinion on any repast. He loved nature and the outdoors, especially hiking through the Hocking Hills or camping any time of year. He was a good, loving, and holy man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Donations in his memory may be made to William V. Fisher Catholic High School 1803 Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130, to support his commitment to Catholic education. https://form.jotform.com/223415497698168

Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, Lancaster, OH, reception to follow at the Spirit Center. An interment will occur at a later date at St. Casimir’s Catholic cemetery in Chicago, IL.