PARIS TOWNSHIP – Dan Lee Roy Rothwell, 75, passed away at his residence on May 29, 2026.
He was born in Bagley, Clearwater, MN, on May 19, 1951, the son of the late Donald Lee Roy and Mary Corrine (nee McDonald) Rothwell. He attended Pine River Elementary School in Minnesota and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School.
Dan married the love of his life, Vicki L. Sullivan, on February 13, 1971. There was no denying how much he loved her for 57 years.
He worked for McWhite Wire Rope for 3 years before moving to Snap-On in 1973. He worked there for 43 years until retirement.
Dan spent his time bartending at his restaurants and enjoyed meeting all his friends over the years. He was very loved by his customers. Customers would come in just to see if Dan was working (which he typically always was).
The Rothwells bought The Nautical Inn in Brighton, WI, in 1986. Victoria’s Catering was opened in 1996 in Kenosha, WI, where Dan continued to help Vicki with the catering until 2022. Victoria’s Nautical Inn was opened in Kenosha in 1998 and remained in operation until 2008.
Family meant everything to Dan. In addition to his loving wife, Vicki, he is survived by his children, Lynn (spouse, Greg Willie), Lon Lee Roy (Jennifer Fortner) and Ben (Jennifer DeBoer); his grandchildren, Brittany, Christopher Stumpf (Carlee Arciszewski), Daniel, Landon Lee Roy, Alexis, Alexandra Paige, Zander, Odin, and Jovi Rothewell; his great grandchild, Seby Stumpf; his sisters, Kaye (Donald) Howe and Vickie Mann. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart. Among them, Joseph and Jennifer Loyd were welcomed into his home as children and were helped to be raised by him and his wife. They remained a great source of pride and joy throughout his life.
In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his sibling, Terry Rothwell; his in-laws, Harold and Laverne (nee Kreuscher) Sullivan; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Sullivan and Joyce Loyd; and the many canine companions he loved so much, especially his special buddy, King Louie, whom he missed dearly.
Dan loved his free time vacationing, trap shooting, golfing, playing cribbage and poker, remodeling his homestead since 1976, and reading history books. He really enjoyed laughing with family and spending time with friends. A special shout-out to his cruise buddies Dave and Barb Hart and Robert and Debbie Kohlwey.
A celebration of life will take place at the Rothwells’ home on July 11th. An announcement with more details and RSVP information will be provided on Facebook.
