Delmar Elva Rothermel was born in Polo, IL on December 2nd, 1938.  He was one of seven children born to Lester and Celia Rothermel, of Polo.

Delmar graduated from Polo High School in 1956.  He enjoyed playing the cornet in the band, and frequently played Taps at military funerals in Polo.  He achieved his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting Management at Northern Illinois University in 1960. He honorably served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years, from 1961 to 1967.  He trained and served in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, Fort McCoy in Wisconsin and Illinois.  He ranked SP5 and was recognized and awarded for expert marksmanship in his Ordnance Unit, a skill he also used in his love of pheasant hunting.  He greatly enjoyed working in Accounting, Management and Sales.  He had an accomplished career at Crum & Forster Insurance Co. in Freeport for 25 years, before becoming the Farmers Insurance Agent in Freeport for 20 years, prior to his retirement.  He was a life-long fisherman, Chicago Cubs fan, and Kansas City Chiefs fan.  He was totally dedicated to his wife and family.

Above all else - Delmar would always say his greatest accomplishment was marrying Violet Meyer of Adeline, IL on Dec. 17th, 1961 at Polo Methodist Church.  The two were inseparable and shared over 60 years of marriage.  Vi worked by his side as his Office Manager for many years at Farmers.  They enjoyed many trips together with family and friends, and listening and watching live music and dancing together.  Hee Haw, The Grand 'Ole Opry, and Saturday Night Polka were their favorites.  Delmar and Vi lived in Polo, Kansas City, Streamwood and Freeport before settling in Shannon in 1980, where they raised their son, Brad, and daughter, Valerie.  Delmar enjoyed Toastmasters, and also served in the Masons in Shannon, including being its Lodge Master.

He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Rothermel-Nelson of Ridott, Il and son Brad Rothermel of Durand, IL.  He also leaves behind a brother, Rae Rothermel of Machesney Park, IL, his Sister-in-law, Sue Rothermel of Polo and brother-in-law Dan Hartman of Polo.  His legacy also includes three granddaughters, Celia, Elizabeth and Sarah and their mother, Kathy (Brown) Rothermel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Violet, his sisters, Phyllis Ruter and Calista Hartman, his brothers, Harlan Rothermel, Alan Rothermel, Darrell Rothermel, and his son-in-law, Jim Nelson.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, February 29, 2024 beginning at 10:30am and a service to follow at 11:30am all at Walker Mortuary of Freeport.  His final resting place will be next to his wife, Violet at Haldane Cemetery.  A memorial has been established in his name.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.