Murray Ellis Rothenberger

Murray Rothenberger passed away peacefully at home on July 1,2024 with his Wife, Terry by his side. Murray was born to Hannah Wingard and Ellis Rothenberger in Monterey Park, California on May 24, 1931. Growing up, he lived in multiple midwestern states before the family settled in Nampa, Idaho.

 Murray Rothenberger is a proud veteran of the Marine Corps. He joined the Marines in September of 1950, and went to basic training at MCRD in San Diego, California. He was trained to be a weapons specialist and fought in South and Central Korea from April 5, 1951 to April 10, 1952 in the 1st Marine Division as part of the 5th marine regiment. He was shipped on a WW2 Victory Ship with 1,100 servicemen; 137 returned. Upon returning home, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton for six months. During that time he oversaw the inspection and refurbishment of all arms from the far East. He qualified in small arms and came within 2 points of breaking the world’s record in Marine range qualifications. He was sent to Ogden, Utah to qualify all military personnel serving in Northern Utah in small arms use. He qualified hundreds of servicemen in six months and returned to Camp Pendleton where he was honorably discharged on September 28,1953 with the rank of Sargent.

 After his military service, Murray settled in Ogden, Utah and married Jean Crawshaw on May 22, 1956. They raised three kids together and later divorced. He retired from Hill Air Force Base. He later married Doris Malan on December 1, 1992. They had many wonderful years together traveling and eventually moved to Beaver Dam, Arizona for many years until Doris’ death on May 4, 2020. Murray then courted and married the person he described as the “love of his life,” Terry Lee Taylor, on June 19, 2021.

 Murray is survived by his wife Terry Lee Taylor-Rothenberger, daughters Pam (Scott) Parker, Tricia (Alan) Hansen, and sons Andrew (Jeff Smith) Rothenberger, 9 grandchildren, Jennifer (Joe), Kristina (Randall), Michael (Rhandi), Jeffrey, Jessica (Colby), Tracy, Samantha, Michelle (Chanse), and Zachary (MJ), 17 great-grandchildren, and 4 great great-grandchildren. He also had a special relationship with his stepchildren, Michael (Karen) Malan, Julie (Robert) Custer, Jodi (Seana) Nichols, Debra (Rick) Lister, and Dana (Dave) Shaw. While he was preceded in death by one grandson-in-law, Aaron Bender (Samantha), and three siblings, Johanna, Pete, and Larry, he is also survived by his beloved sisters, Eleanor Welker, Jane MacMillan, and sister-in-law Jan (Pete) Larson.

 Murray never met a stranger and was always surrounded by friends and family - no one could pass by without stopping for a drink and a visit. He was always good for a story or sharing some wisdom. He will be greatly missed by many, but always in our hearts. Our family is truly thankful for all the love, support, and friendship over the years.

 A graveside military honor guard will be held at the Beaver Dam Cemetery on July 13, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. with a short gathering at the Beaver Dam Bar to follow. There will be a celebration of life and time for sharing on July 14, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Mesquite, NV.

 In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Mesquite Elks Lodge 2811 charity fund for the benefit of our valued veterans. Donations can be sent to the Lodge at 545 Riverside Road, Mesquite, NV 89027.