Obituary of Donald Martin Rott

DONALD M. ROTT 

Don passed away on December 27, 2021 at home. He was born September 21, 1931 in Fredonia, ND. His family moved to St. Paul in 1942. He graduated from Central High School in 1949. Following graduation, he served in the Air National Guard. He married his best friend and soulmate, June Park, on December 27, 1952. They made their loving home with three daughters in Roseville, MN by Lake Owasso. Don loved his family and living by the lake. He traveled many places in the world, but Lake Owasso was his favorite place to be. 

Don made a career in aviation. As a pilot and aircraft salesman, he worked for Gopher Aviation and Northern Aeromotive until he started his own business, Don Rott Aircraft Sales, with June working at his side. He had many adventures as a pilot flying helicopters and airplanes for news outlets, celebrities, and politicians. He once piloted a helicopter using it as a giant fan after heavy rainfall to dry the field for game 2 of the 1965 World Series at Met Stadium. He was well respected and sold over 1100 airplanes earning him the moniker “The Baron of Beechcraft.” His 50-year career touched many facets of Minnesota aviation.

Don was an avid hockey player, snow skier, biker, swimmer, and hiker. He was a champion slalom water skier who qualified for nationals 28 times, was often in the top 10, and medaled five times.

Don and June were an inspiration to many. He died on their 69th anniversary. He was a loving and committed husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend to many. He was a vibrant person leaving a legacy of brightening the day of anyone with whom he came in contact. Don is preceded in death by his grandson Carl Walz, son-in-law Charles Wieck, brother-in-law Dave Wagner and parents Henry and Freda (Buerkle)Rott.

He is survived by his loving wife June, daughters Cindy (Joe) Walz, Danna Wieck, and Kristi (Steve) Youngquist, grandchildren Andy (Heidi) Walz, Kelly (Dan) Walseth, Katie (Jason) Nelson, Emily (Lucas) Lockhart, Brad (Emily) Wieck, Lara, Jack, and Mari Youngquist, 12 great-grandchildren: Toby, Josie, Nellie, Clara, Nolan, Nora, Nico, Savannah, Dane, June, Valerie, Vivian, sisters Delphine Wagner, Diane Breslain and their families, and nephew George (April) Arndt.

A memorial service will be held on January 21, 1pm at Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave West, Roseville, MN. A visitation will precede the service 12–1pm. Due to church policy regarding Covid no meal can be served and masks will be required. The service will be streamed live here: https://youtu.be/csXLSqnTXBU

Memorials preferred to:

Friends of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (ngongroad.org)

Courage Kenny Sports & Recreation (allinahealth.org/give)

Roseville Lutheran Church (rosevillelutheran.org)