William “Bill” F. Rothwell II, age 59, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, after a noble battle with cancer. Bill was born on July 29, 1959. He grew up in Royal Oak, MI, and he was a proud graduate of Clarence M. Kimball High School and Walsh College. He married Elizabeth “Beth” R. (Smith) Rothwell in 1984, and subsequently resided in Royal Oak and Troy. Bill worked as a branch manager and regional supervisor for Crown Battery, and he was regarded for his outgoing personality, his organizational acumen, and his sociability. Bill enthusiastically lived life, and his favorite pursuits included traveling, relaxing in the hot tub, listening to loud music, cruising in his convertible, and playing softball. He was a beloved husband, father, coach, and mentor, and he will be remembered for his ability to live life to its fullest. Bill is preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Rothwell. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of 34 years; his mother, Genevieve Rothwell; his sisters Janine (Robert) Charlton and Diane (Duane) Thompson; his children Lindsay (Joel) Szela, William (Erica) Rothwell III, and Shelly (John) Shields; and his grandchildren Brock and Emma. Family, friends, and others, whose lives Bill touched are invited to the Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights, on Sat from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. and on Sun from 2p.m. -6p.m. to reminisce, grieve, support each other and, of course, just chat. In state on Mon. at 10am until time of funeral mass at 10:30am at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 581 E. 14 Mile Rd. Clawson. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Please share a memory with the family on Bill’s online guestbook.
