Steve Rothering

Stephen John “Steve” Rothering, age 75, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. He was born in Burlington, WI on July 16, 1949 to John E. and Phyllis J. (Vos) Rothering. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Burlington, UW Madison and Edgewood College where he earned his teaching degree. He married Kathleen Keenan, in Madison, on August 10, 1974.

Steve was diagnosed with a brain tumor 3 years ago. Since then, we have been reminded daily that we were not alone on this journey. This was a family affair, and Steve was blessed to be a part of a number of families. His Edgewood family, where he taught and coached for 41 years, blessed him with amazing colleagues and lifelong friends. He had the privilege of teaching, traveling with, and coaching innumerable young people. He coached Edgewood High School hockey from its beginning, coaching his own sons and later coaching with his sons; opportunities that brought him great joy. Steve also coached West Madison Little League and youth hockey for many years. He loved coaching and his coaching family. Steve’s softball family and Bears hockey group have endured for several generations, long past his playing days as he transitioned to “coach” and even in his final days as a fan. His Nakoma family, where he managed the pool, embraced him for 30 years. Each of these communities were like families to him and were beyond special. Steve was grateful for and often surprised by the outpouring of prayers, hugs, visits, cards, calls, emails and texts, treats, meals, peaches, and pizza/movie nights from family, friends, and neighbors.

Steve and Kathy’s own family was his most treasured blessing. Tim and Lindsay, Kasey, John, and Leila; Pete and Amy, Claire, Jack, and Will; and Ben and Becky, Henry, Hazel, and Wyatt were gifts that gave him immeasurable pride and love. He was their biggest fan.

Steve is survived by Kathy and their family; his mother-in-law Helen Keenan; his siblings: Barb (Tim) Poser, Tyger (Mary Ann) Rothering, Ann (Neal) Richter, and Chris (Pam) Rothering; numerous in-laws; nieces; and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Jean; and his brother, Tim. 

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, on Friday, September 6, 2024. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. A lunch reception will follow. 

The Mass will also be live streamed. Please click on the following link: https://youtube.com/live/IF0aQld0G0Y?feature=share

Memorials may be made to: Edgewood Athletic Association, or the Carbone Cancer Center, Brain Cancer research c/o Dr. Steve Howard. 

“A life well-lived is a legacy of hope and strength and grace, 

a gift from someone who has made our world a better place.”

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406