Rev. Kevin Rothhaar

Rev. Kevin W. Rothhaar, 96, stepped into eternity with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 4, 2026 while he was enjoying a beautiful, warm, sunny spring day in his yard amongst the trees planted for each of his grandchildren.

Kevin was born on December 21, 1929 in Chatfield Township, Crawford County, Ohio to the late Perry S. and Gladys (Candel) Rothhaar. After graduating from Chatfield High School in 1947, he married Zelma Louise Detterman on April 30, 1950.

He met his Lord and Savior “face to face” in his mid-20s, and from then on was a committed believer and diligent follower of Jesus Christ.

Kevin began farming right out of high school while also working first, at Cobey Machinery, then Swan Rubber Co., and finally at The Timken Co. For several years, he farmed up to 500 acres with his twin Massey-Harris “44” tractors while working third shift. Zelma and his young boys enjoyed working ground in the 50s and 60s and helping in all aspects of the operation.

By the late 1960s, Kevin began to experience a longing in his mind and soul for something greater than simply participating in what he called “the rat race.” His desire to know the deeper teachings of the Bible, drawing him to make a big change in the direction of his life; he answered this calling in January 1971, at age 41, by moving his family to Omaha, Nebraska where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Ministry at Grace Bible Institute.

After graduating in 1974, he established a church in West Point, Nebraska, then pastored in Kenmare, North Dakota at Faith Baptist Church. In August 1979 Pastor Rothhaar returned to Ohio to Wayside Chapel where he served until retiring in 1996.

Retirement was active; moving to northern Kentucky helping his son Daniel in home construction and son David in his woodworking business. He also enjoyed restoring one of his original M-H “44” and “Pony” tractors.

Kevin’s main passions continued in the local church, sharing the gospel, mission trips, and then being the devoted caregiver for his wife who preceded him in death May 18, 2012.

Kevin is survived by sons, Alan (Jean Ann) Rothhaar, Jim (Deb) Rothhaar, and David (Suzanne) Rothhaar; daughter-in-law, Rosie Rothhaar; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; brother, Dwight Rothhaar; sister-in-law, Pat Rothhaar; and brother-in-law, Virgil Gottfried.

In addition to his parents and wife of 62 years, Kevin was recently preceded in death by son, Daniel Rothhaar. He was also preceded by brothers, Donald, Wayne, Kenneth, Lyle, and Roger Rothhaar and sister, Patricia Gottfried.

All services will be held at Wayside Chapel, 2341 Kerstetter Rd., Bucyrus. Family will receive friends on Friday, April 10 from 4-7 pm and Saturday, April 11 from 10-11:55 am. The funeral will begin on Saturday at 12 Noon with Pastors Jerrill Wyler and Bill Wert officiating. Burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Wayside Christian School or Samaritan's Purse. These gifts can be given at any of the services or sent to Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Memories and photos can be shared on Pastor Rothhaar’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.