Ralph Eugene Rothman

Ralph Eugene Rothman, a beloved member of the Springfield community, passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 91 after a brave battle with cancer. Born in Kansas on January 13, 1935, to Earl and Ruth (Cromer) Rothman, Ralph lived a life filled with hard work, creativity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

A proud veteran, Ralph entered the Army in 1957, where he served as a cook. He was an accomplished marksman, earning expert status with the rifle and receiving a Good Conduct Medal during his service. He was honorably discharged in 1959.

Following his military service, Ralph embarked on a career that showcased his relentless work ethic and innovative spirit. He began working on a drilling rig as a ruffneck in Cortez, where he met his beloved wife, Wilma Crites Rothman. Ralph and Wilma raised two boys, Darrell and Nick. Ralph's journey took him to Boise City to learn the skill of radiator repair, leading him to dedicate 16 years to this trade establishing his own business, Rothman Radiators and Supply.

Ralph's industrious nature propelled him to take an overnight job working on a drilling rig in Pritchett while managing his radiator business by day. He later expanded his work to trenching, impressively building his own trencher from spare parts. His ingenuity allowed him to log an astounding one million feet of trench digging with the homemade machine, a testament to his determination and crafting skills. Rothman Radiators and Supply later became Rothman Trenching.

Ralph was a firm believer in the philosophy of perseverance, often saying, "Never say it cannot be done." His hardworking nature, kindness, and generous spirit earned him the affection and respect of his community, who aptly described him as one of the good ones. His family remarked that he should have been an engineer, and believed he was born 200 years too late, given his remarkable ability to design and create anything imaginable.

Educated in Sawyer, Kansas, Ralph applied his knowledge practically throughout his life. He was known for his uncanny ability to make his own tools, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to self-sufficiency and craftsmanship. He certainly left his mark through the work he took pride in, and the memories he created, which included unforgettable moments with his family.

Among the cherished memories his loved ones hold include a humorous story about Ralph making a wheelbarrow for Wilma. Instead of purchasing one, he crafted a 300-pound wheelbarrow so incredibly heavy with two-inch galvanized pipes for handles that it couldn’t be pushed. It is believed that Wilma used it for a planter.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Wilma; his father, Earl Rothman; his mother, Ruth Cromer Rothman; and his sisters Lorraine and Rosa Lee.

He is survived by his sons Darrell Rothman (Latayne) and Nick Rothman (Eden); grandchildren Chase Rothman, Ivey (Kelvin) Mitchell, Makayla Huffman, Lane (Adrienne) Rothman, Lindsey (Ethan) Long, Brennan Rothman and Brayce Rothman; and great-grandchildren Athena Rothman, Kasen Fitts, Dakota Mitchell, Payton Mitchell, Brastin Rothman, Holden Rothman, and Hazen Rothman.

A graveside service will be held on February 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Springfield Cemetery. Ralph Eugene Rothman will be remembered not only for his incredible workmanship and accomplishments but also for the love he shared and the legacy he leaves behind within his family and community.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Cat Creek Shooting Club, P.O. Box 171, Springfield, CO 81073 in Ralph’s honor.