Tillie Rothlisberger
September 12, 1934 ~ February 23, 2013
Matilda (Tillie) Marie Rothlisberger, age 78, was reunited with her Lord and Savior on February 23, 2013. Tillie was born on the family farm September 12, 1934 to her parents Ben and Barbara (Wald) Lauinger in Strasburg, ND. Tillie was forced to do the usual farm chores and didn’t particularly care for this. Needless to say she took the first bus out and headed to the big city of Fargo with her sister Evangeline. While working at The Times Café on Broadway she met and later married Richard Rothlisberger (Overly, ND). After their marriage they moved to Martin, ND where they owned and operated the Martin Grain Elevator. In 1966 they relocated back to Fargo. Tillie had various positions of waitressing and management at The Bison Hotel, The Black Angus Steakhouse, Jupes, and eventually retired from The American Legion.
Tillie loved flowers and was known in Martin for her huge glamorous flower gardens. Tillie also loved to decorate and paint and eventually discovered ceramics. She painted a beautiful village set surrounded by trees, streetlamps, and people. Family and friends will remember Tillie for her willingness to open up her home to just about anyone. She had several renters over the years. They always enjoyed her homemade soups, stews, and German fried noodles. Everyone appreciated her clean house with lots of sparkly crystal and white starched doilies. Holidays were a great time for visits as Tillie’s house was always decorated beautifully with no space ignored. Her children will remember her most for her wonderful sense of humor, her pride and determination to keep a roof over their heads when times were tough, her ability to put up with all of the shenanigans they threw her way, and the fact that she was always beautiful.
Tillie spent her last remaining years enjoying the fresh lake air at Little Pelican Lake with Barb and Brad. She was particularly fond of the porch and loved to watch the boats go by. She always enjoyed a nice long golf cart ride to enjoy the breeze and beautiful lake sunsets.
Tillie is survived by her children Bill Rothlisberger, James (Jenny) Rothlisberger, Barbara (Brad) Olson; and Cheryl (Patrick) Schmidt; grandchildren Stephanie (Clint), Katie, Samantha, James Richard (JR), Matt and Sherilyn; great grandchildren Lucas, Eden, Ben and Austin; Sisters: Elizabeth, Virginia; brothers: Joseph, Baldwin (Grace), and Conrad (Rose). Tillie was preceded in death by her parents Ben and Barbara, her siblings, Konrad (infant) Ervin, Evangeline, and Anton, and a grandchild: Benjamin Olson.
The family would like to invite everyone to throw on their favorite hat in memory of Tillie and come join the family in a Celebration of Tillie’s life. This will be held at The Boulger Funeral Home this Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM. If you want to hear stories and laughter, the family would encourage you to attend this service. There will be food and fellowship following. If unable to attend, please feel free to join the family at a Mass Service at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday at 2:00 PM with the burial following. There will be a rosary preceding the service at 1:30 PM. May God bless the memory of Tillie Marie Rothlisberger.
Memorials can be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association ND/MN at 2631 12th Avenue South, Fargo, ND 58103.
View Tillie's online video tribute.
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
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Fargo ND
Barbara and Conrad & Rose, You are the ones I most recently think of when I saw the obituary of Tillie.
In Martin, Tillie and family recall many memories for me. I used to baby sit – and Barbara, I am your baptism godmother. Many times I have tried to locate you.
My deepest sympathies to you and all the family members. May Tillie rest in Peace.
Twin Valley MN
Barb, Brad, and family:
My deepest condolences on the loss of Tillie. I feel like I knew her well, as Brad often shared stories and pictures of her when he came to work at NCE. I know that Tillie was a treasure in your world, and will be missed. May it help to know that you are being thought of, and prayed for during this time. God bless the memory of Tillie.
Martin ND
Tillie was one of kind and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Weslay & Leona
Dear Sam, Katie and Family,
I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. I’m sure she has left you with many happy and fun-loving memories. May God comfort you through this difficult time.
My sincere sympathies,
Renae Lacher
Walcott ND
Hello Family,
You don’t know me but I worked with Tillie 40 years ago. I met her when I was a waitress at Jupes. I did not work there long but I remember your mom well. I have thought of her over the years and wondered what ever happened to her.
I remember Tillie talking proudly of her children and coming from the hometown of Lawrence Welk! She was kind and patient with me as I had never waitressed before.
I am sure you are aware that Tillie touched peoples lives and she touched mine. My sincere sympathies to you at your loss.
Detroit Lakes MnOur sympathy to the family on the death of your Mother. I used to babysit all of you and I also had Billy and Jimmy in school at Martin, ND
. Tillie and I spent a lot of time together when they lived in Martin. She was a great lady!.
Hamilton NJWe are so very sorry for the loss of your mom. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Love,
Brigitte, Joe, Joey & Alex Palumbo
Rogers MN
To Barbara Olson and Family:
Our prayers our with you and your family. Jesus died for and given Tillie eternal life in Heaven. God Bless you and your family.
Joe & Nancy Rhinhart
Victoria MN
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know you have many fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Menoken ND
Cheryl, Barbie, Jimmy and Billy,
I’m so sorry that you’ve lost your mom. I know she was a very special lady and had a very colorful personality. She will be missed! I’m thinking of all of you as you go through this difficult time.
Holly
PelicanRapids Minnesota
Tillie and her sister Evag were my best friends in Strasburg and in Fargo I will miss her very much Tillie taught me how to make fryed noodles my whole family reguests I make them very often when I’mhome from AZ
. may you always rejoice with the fond memories you have of her life. May God bless you please except my sympathy.
Hightstown New JerseyWhen someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Remembering you and sweet Aunt Tillie in our minds and in our hearts. Peace, prayers and blessings to all who loved Tillie.
Sandy Lake MBI remember the first time I met Tillie. It was at The Flame and there was no TP in the ladies room but Tillie was always prepared(LOL). I still carry extra tissue with me for emergencies and I always think of Tillie when I see it in my purse or pocket. Tillie was great and when we ran into each other we always shared a laugh or two. She will be missed and fondly remembered by many of us who knew her socially.
Tillie will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends. We were blessed to share in some of the memories with this beautiful lady…
“The heart remembers most what it has loved best”. Our deepest sympathy.
Love,
LeRoy, Julie, Whitney and Jermaine