Raymond Charles Rotter, 77

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Charles Rotter, 77, of Hermantown, Minnesota, who passed away on November 5, 2025, surrounded by the deep love of his family.

Born on September 24, 1948, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Raymond and Dorothy Rotter, Ray was a dedicated family man and a highly skilled master carpenter.

Ray attended St. Bernard's Catholic School and graduated from Washington Sr. High in St. Paul. He furthered his education at Vo-Tech in St. Paul, where he earned his associate's degree in carpentry, shaping his lifelong career as a master craftsman.

A man of quiet strength and a lively spirit, Ray loved fishing, hunting, gardening, and playing his harmonica. He had a special talent for turning wood into "fish whackers" and most recently found joy in hand-feeding his backyard chipmunk family. He lived to make others smile and laugh with his hilarious, quirky surprises. His memory will endure in the lives of those he knew.

Ray is survived by his loving partner, Kathleen (Kathy) Rotter of Hermantown, MN; his children, Melissa (Todd) Kuehl of Gaylord, MN, Raymond Rotter of Annandale, MN, and Jodie (Reed) Rolfhus of Annandale, MN; his step-children, Scott Ratliff, and Lisa (Duane Edblad) Hallberg; eighteen grandchildren, Nick, Michael, Anthony, Robert, Paul, Andrew, Alex, Ambrea, Adam, Angela, Wyatt, Allison, Courtney, Chloie, Mathew, Justin, Joshua and Jayden; and ten great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Marlene Nothacker of Duluth, MN, and Kathleen (Bob Blaiser) Thorsten of Wisconsin; his brother, Ronald Rotter of Bethel, MN; his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary (Debbie) Vanneste, David (Charina) Vanneste, and Patti (Porter) Porterfield; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy; his sister, Dona Rotter; two infant brothers; his brother-in-law, Fritz Nothacker; and his brother-in-law, Dan Vanneste.

A celebration of life for Ray will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Beacon Sports Bar and Grill, 5044 Hermantown Rd, Hermantown, MN 55811.