William Rottmayer

In Loving Memory of William Arthur "Bill" Rottmayer

June 18, 1943 - November 19, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bill Rottmayer in his home on November 19, 2023 after a prolonged illness.

Born June 18, 1943 in Bay City, Michigan, Bill's journey was marked by intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. He studied philosophy at Ohio State University and later earned a PhD in philosophy from Stanford University where he studied artificial intelligence. Bill found his academic home at Eastern Washington University where he served as a professor of philosophy for 29 years.

Although being a college professor was academically fulfilling, his true calling was to his family. While a student at Ohio State, he met Nola Mae Dudley and they fell in love. They were wed on March 17, 1968 in Cambridge, Ohio before moving to California and then settling in Cheney, Washington where they raised two sons, David and Steven.

Bill found joy in playing games with friends and family. He was an avid player of bridge, chess, and other games. Bill and David were bridge partners for many years and after they stopped going to tournaments, Bill continued to play bridge online with family. In addition to bridge, Bill was a member of the Spokane Chess Club and later enjoyed playing in fantasy baseball leagues with David.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Rottmayer and Dorothy Rottmayer, and son Kenneth Eugene. He is survived by his brother Robert "Buzz"; his sister Sue; and David (Jean) and Steven.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00pm on Friday December 8 at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 North Division Street in Spokane, Washington. Procession will follow at 2:00 to Heritage Funeral Home. 

Donations in his name may go to the Spokane Chess Club or Unit 448 of the American Contract Bridge League.