Obituary of William Wayne Rothenberg

William Wayne Rothenberg, passed away peacefully in his 86th year, surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, at Grand River Hospital, Waterloo, Ontario.

Wayne was born September 12, 1939, in Port Elgin, Ontario, to Ruth and William (Bill) Rothenberg. He married his love Frances Simpkins on April 13th, 1963. Together they had three children, Terri Lee, Jeffery Wayne and Ian Todd.

After high school, Wayne attended Stratford Teacher’s College and taught with Waterloo County Board of Education for 34 years in various schools throughout the county. During that time, he also received a BA through Wilfred Laurier University.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Fran; his children, Terri Parr (Robert) of Charlotte and Ian Rothenberg (Melissa, née Huber) of Heidelberg; and his cherished grandchildren, Alexander and Ethan Parr, and Zoe and Tessa Rothenberg. He is also survived by his brothers, Ron of Fergus, Brian (Lynda) of Owen Sound, and Brent of Southampton; his brother-in-law, Dave Simpkins of Kitimat, BC; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his beloved son Jeffery, parents Ruth and Bill Rothenberg, his in-laws Frank and Eleanor Simpkins, and his brother Donald in infancy.

Wayne was a member of the KW Granite Curling Club and various church committees. He cherished his summers at the cottage, where he had his prized woodworking shed and enjoyed golfing, sailing, winning at cards and games, and spending time with his family - especially his grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place, and a Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday, May 23, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7: 00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Memorial Service will be held at St. George's of Forest Hill Anglican Church, 321 Fischer Hallman Rd E., Kitchener on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church hall. A livestream of the service will be available on the funeral home’s website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to May Court Food Boxes, the Canadian Cancer Society, St Georges of Forest Hill Anglican Church, or a charity of your choice, and may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.