Johnnie E. Rothganger

Johnnie Eugene Rothganger, 78, of Hughesville, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021.

He was born February 24, 1943, in Sedalia, a son of the late George and Margaret (Mittenburg) Rothganger. He was married to Linda Kay Spears, who preceded him in death on July 23, 2001.

Johnnie attended Georgetown grade school and Smith-Cotton High School. He was then drafted into the US Army during Vietnam and served in special forces. He was wounded and sent home. He received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.  Johnnie worked for Union Pacific Railroad, retiring in 1993.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting game and arrowheads, long-range shooting and fishing. He especially enjoyed Mountain Man re-enactments and working on a forge.

He is survived by a son, Michael E. Rothganger (Brandy Johnston), of Sedalia; a daughter, Julie Pflughaupt, of Hughesville; a sister-in-law, Kay Rothganger, of Weston; a brother-in-law, Richard Spears, of Independence; and two grandchildren, Chase Rothganger and Sofi Rothganger, both of Sedalia.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles E. Rothganger.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Heckart Funeral Home with Rev. Jeremiah Greever officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until service time.

Burial will follow in Mount Herman Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project in care of Heckart Funeral Home.