Bruce Allen Rothbauer
Bruce Allen Rothbauer, 63, of El Campo, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023.
He was born on Nov. 7, 1959 in Hallettsville to Eugene “Gene” and Lexie Etlinger Rothbauer.
During high school he was a four-year letterman in football with the nickname “Tank.” In football you knew he had a bad day if he had grass stains on his back. He was a sales representative for Coca Cola for 30 years until he started his own business, BB&C Trucking.
He was on the Rebel softball team and played as long as his knees and shoulders would let him. Bruce was a very devoted family man and would do anything for his loved ones. He was always willing to help and never said no. He helped his father, Gene, with the Knights of Columbus Hall. He enjoyed working, cooking, fishing, hunting and tubing on Lake Texana.
Bruce never had bad word to say about anything or anybody. He always had a smile on his face, even during the tough times. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Rosemary Koncaba Rothbauer of El Campo; son, Clinton Rothbauer of El Campo; step-sons, Brad Bethke (DeNeal) of Inez and Dwayne Bethke (Donna) of Jackson, Fla.; grandchildren, Alek Bethke, Jordan Bethke, River Bethke, Raina Bethke, Landry Payne, and Brett Payne; sister, Gina Rothbauer of El Campo and brother, Neil Rothbauer of El Campo.
Bruce was the nephew of Gussie Machalec and August “Boyce” and Sharon Etlinger and the cousin of Darell and Diane Rothbauer of Moulton.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation began at 5 p.m. and continued until 7 p.m., Friday, March 31 at Triska Funeral Home in El Campo.
Rosary was recited at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 1, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church with a Funeral Mass following at 10 a.m.
Pallbearers were Marvin Long, Darrel Rothbauer, Dean Orts, Warren Henneke, Billy Drapela, Karl Orts, Marchel Cunningham, and Mark Appling.
Honorary pallbearers were Andrew Rothbauer and Bruce Maulding.
Memorial donations in memory of Bruce may be made to El Campo Volunteer Fire Department.
Triska Funeral Home, El Campo, was in charge of arrangements.