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Fritz (Francis Max) Rottman

Fritz (Francis Max) Rottman

  • March 29, 1937 - March 2, 2013
  • Greenville, Michigan
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“Dear Carol and Family, Fred and I send our sympathy. Our thoughts are with you. ”
1 of 8 | Posted by: Donna Heiner - Key Largo, HI

“Dear Rottman Family: I was so sorry to hear about your loss and wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and send my love and sympathies...Read More » ”
2 of 8 | Posted by: Madeline Masterson - Okemos, MI

“Dear Carol and Family, We are saddened by Fritz' passing, but thankful for his many contributions to Wendell's research programs in drug discover...Read More » ”
3 of 8 | Posted by: Wendell and Pam Wierenga - CA

“Dear Carol and family, We are so saddened to hear about Fritz' death this evening. Fritz' incredibly gentle and generous nature blessed us upon...Read More » ”
4 of 8 | Posted by: Megan Ribbens - Abuja Nigeria

“I remember some great times as students at Calvin College. Later He supported the ministry of Timothy Leadership Training in Kenya and Uganda. He was...Read More » ”
5 of 8 | Posted by: Rev. William (Bud) Ipema - IL

“I will never forget the kindness and encouragement Fritz provided when I was a young struggling scientist . He was a wonderful exception to the rule. ”
6 of 8 | Posted by: Pam Fraker , NAS - Okemos, MI

On Lake Michigan on his catamaran circa 1973: Fritz, Ron and Peggy “I hold Fritz in the greatest esteem for my development as a scientist and as a human being. His patience knew no bounds. He will always be in our...Read More » ”
7 of 8 | Posted by: Ron and Peggy Desrosiers - Hudson, MA

“Loretta and I are very saddened by Fritz's passing. It was always a pleasure to work with Fritz. We wish a our best to Carol and the family. ...Read More » ”
8 of 8 | Posted by: Clarence and Loretta Suelter - MI


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Fritz (Francis Max) Rottman was the youngest of four sons born in 1937 to Hattie and John Rottman in Muskegon, Michigan. His journey into a new life with Christ began on March 2, 2013. He is greatly loved and missed by his family: Carol (Vanden Bosch) and children, Barbara (Dave) Hoogenboom, Douglas Rottman, and Susan (Steve) Naum and grandchildren: Lindsay and Matthew Hoogenboom, Brian, Marielle and Morgan Rottman, Christopher, Victoria and Danielle Naum. His close-knit extended family includes brothers, Bob (Wilma, deceased), Jack (Freddie), Ted, deceased (Ellen), and in-laws, Mary Zwaanstra, Glenn (Carol) Vanden Bosch, Susan (Larry) Kieft, and Bill Vanden Bosch. They will remember his life of service as: a Christian, gardener, scientist, adventurer and faithful friend.

Always fascinated by the intricacies of nature, he pursued a career in the biological sciences at Calvin College, the University of Michigan and the National Institutes of Health. He spent his career as a professor of Biochemistry at Michigan State University and later as Chairperson of the Department of Molecular and Microbiology Biology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. His basic research in molecular genetics led to scientific advancements, while mentoring many women and men to continue the work. In retirement, he worked to restore a prairie at Flat Iron Lake near Greenville, Mi. and traveled often to Kenya and Uganda, to combat HIV/AIDs and to promote modern bee-keeping methods among rural farmers. He volunteered at hunger programs and as a Trustee at the Van Andel Research Institute.

Family visitation will be held at Fritz's home church, Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church (501 Eastern Ave. SE) on Friday from 1-3, and 6-9. A memorial service will be lead by Pastor Thea Leunk at the church on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 1pm. To share a memory or photo and to sign the family's online guest book, please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, consider lending support to the programs of World Renew, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids 49560, a ministry to the poor worldwide.