Robert "Bob" Hilman Rosseth

Robert (Bob) Hilman Rosseth, age 85, passed away October 3, 2025, in New Bern, NC. Born on August 16, 1940, in Sleepy Eye, MN, Bob was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and friend to many.

Bob graduated in 1958 from St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1963. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in Germany.

During his career in plastics manufacturing and project engineering, Bob held various managerial roles at 3M, BFGoodrich Chemical Company, AMETEK and PPG. His work took him and his family many places, living in seven states plus France and Venezuela. These adventures sparked a life-long love of travel, a gift he passed on to his daughters.

In 2000, Bob retired to New Bern where he gave generously of his time as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and later at the local hospital. Retirement also gave him more time for his passions—gardening, fishing, tennis, painting, reading, puzzling and especially golfing. He had many fond memories of rounds with his family and friends. He was proud that his grandson, Kyle, inherited his love of the game.

Above all, his greatest journey was the 55 years spent with his wife, Judith (DeSart) Rosseth. Bob and Judy created a family that had many fun times together, whether on tennis courts, beaches, picnics or simply at home.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hilman and Mabelle Rosseth, and his brother, John Rosseth. He is survived by his wife Judy; his daughters Lynn (Doug) and Jane; grandson Kyle; sister Kathryn (Bob) Burrhus; and many other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to First Tee, Boy Scouts of America, or to your preferred charity.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Robert (Bob) Hilman Rosseth.