Delmar Joe Rotert, age 97, of Sutherland passed away May 1, 2018 at the Sutherland Care Center. Delmar was born on September 1, 1920 in Sutherland to Joe and Lillian (Myers) Rotert. He attended Sutherland Public Schools. Delmar was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

In his teen years he drove truck for Wesley Shoup, Jack White, and Elza Burcham. He worked for a short time for Union Pacific Railroad in Wyoming and Utah before going to California with his brother, Kenneth, to work at an aircraft factory. In May of 1942 he went to Alaska to work for the Morrison Knudsen Corporation building weather stations and housing for the military. When Morrison Knudsen started a separate plumbing division, Alaska Plumbing and Heating Company, Delmar was promoted to supervisor of that company. While in Alaska Delmar did many things-owned several gold mines, lived and trapped furs above the Artic Circle with his friend, Wally Synder, and walked from Anchorage to Ft. Yukon, Canada and back with his dog.

Delmar married Barbara Coburn in Vancouver, WA on December 30, 1952. They moved back to Sutherland and lived on a farm four miles north and west of town. He farmed until 1974 and then sold his farm. Delmar and Barbara built a new home in town in January of 1975.

Delmar worked at the Gerald Gentleman Power Station for four years during their first phase of construction in the plumbing department.

Delmar and Barbara traveled much in their lifetime. For over ten years they wintered in Myrtle Beach, SC with the Bus Callahan's and John Crockett's, then for several years by themselves. Delmar liked visiting historical sites. He also liked taking his metal detector to parks, beaches, fair grounds, and rodeo grounds to look for lost treasures.

Delmar is survived by his daughter, Ann Williams of Macon, GA; son, Martin of Sutherland; brothers, Don (Peg) Rotert of Sutherland, and Dr. Larry (Kathy) Rotert of Topeka, KS brother-in-law, Donald Coburn of Salt Lake City UT; and several nieces and nephews.

Delmar was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Kenneth (Betty) Rotert; and his sister and her family, June, Dr. Nick, and Janice Chick.

Memorials are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland or to the Sutherland Public Library. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com .

Cremation was chosen. Christian Wake Service will be 9:30 a.m. followed by a 10:00 a.m. family led Mass of Christian Burial Monday, May 7, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland with the Reverend Matthew Nash as celebrant. Private family inurnment will be held at Riverview Cemetery. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.