Wothe, Roger W. age 85, of Wayzata, passed away November 13th, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, and son, Mark Wothe.
Roger’s early life was varied and interesting, growing up in Redwood Falls, attending MIT and the University of Minnesota, traveling around Europe and living for a while in Germany, and training and serving in the Army Reserves as a radio operator. He made lifelong friends in those early years, including his fraternity brothers of Delta Upsilon. After working for several companies as a draftsman in the retail store fixture business, he founded Environments Incorporated with a partner, and enjoyed a 40-year run as one of the most successful and influential manufacturers in the industry. His impact in that community is legion, and his career was distinguished with numerous awards, including the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
Entrepreneur of the Year. Roger made connections to many, many people over the years, often as a member of all kinds of groups and foundations, including civic boards such as the Wayzata Planning Commission, Wayzata HRA and other various city committees; many car club boards, and serving as a member of the Hennepin Technical College woodworking program’s Advisory Board since its inception. His passions included his business and buildings, and in later years his car collection and clubs, all of which led to more and more widespread connections with people. Another interest was his love of music and singing, from a barbershop chorus, to church choir, to performing with the Minnetonka Choral Society most recently. Roger was a talker, and his stories will be missed even though they may have been heard a time or two previously. He was regarded by many as the smartest person they knew, and often turned to him for advice or problem-solving, and he was always willing to offer it. Every problem could be reduced to drawing something on his drafting table for a solution. Roger is survived by wife, Barbara Wothe; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Laurie Wothe; grandchildren, Chloe and Simon Wothe; sister, Dianne (Wothe) Bjerke; nieces, nephews, and a whole bunch of cars. He will truly be missed by folks far and wide.
Memorial visitation 1-5 pm Saturday, November 27, 2021 at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata. Memorials preferred to Hennepin Technical College (HTC) Foundation Scholarships (please specify for Cabinetmaking) - hennepintech.edu/giving, and Minnetonka Choral Society (MCS) Foundation - minnetonkachoralsociety.org
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