Mary Lou Rotert

Mary Lou Rotert, affectionately known as "Gramcracker" by her cherished grandchildren, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 3, 1940, in Carroll, Iowa, to John and Coletta (Timmerman) Pottebaum. Mary Lou lived a life full of love, caring and dedication. Since 1983, Omaha was her home, where she was a beloved figure both in her family and her community. Mary Lou's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication as a mother to her eight children: Joyce Wittrock (Dale), Bill Rotert (Candi), Ron Rotert (Jenni), Joe Rotert (Karmen), Joleen Sellers, Frank Rotert (Tiffaney), Patty Rotert, and Susie Rotert (Matt Seuss). She raised her eight children with values of honesty, love and hard work, her greatest legacy. Alongside her role as a devoted mother, she was a secretary and bookkeeper for the family construction business, exemplifying her remarkable ability to balance the demands of family and work. Even after her children grew, Mary Lou's nurturing spirit continued as she lovingly cared for many other babies as a nanny. Mary Lou found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a sweet tooth, especially for ice cream, which she delighted in sharing with her 24 grandchildren. Her interests included birdwatching, particularly cardinals, and supporting her favorite sports teams, the Creighton Blue Jays and the Nebraska Huskers. One of the highlights of her life was meeting Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. She admired their passion for charity and helping others. Mary Lou collected over 3,800 sets of salt and pepper shakers in her life, with the help of family and friends who always brought back a set for her in their travels. She is survived by her eight children, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren and brother Ray. Additionally, she leaves behind her beloved in-laws: Lou Pottebaum, Elaine Pottebaum, Leon and Monica Rotert, Alan and Ruth Kokenge, Theresa Soppe, and Dorothy Riesberg, who will all carry her loving memory forward. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Rotert, her granddaughter Abigail Rotert, her parents John and Coletta (Timmerman) Pottebaum and her father and mother-in-law John and Rose (Dopheide) Rotert. She is also preceded in death by her sister Rita Pottebaum, and brothers Bob (Rosie) Pottebaum, Vern (Nora) Pottebaum, Earl (Caroline) Pottebaum, Don Pottebaum, and Art Pottebaum. She also joins her in-laws Earl Riesberg, Ron Soppe, Norbert (Alvina) Rotert, and Vern Rotert and son in Law Randy Sellers in eternal rest. As a faithful Catholic, Mary Lou had a strong faith in Jesus. She was known for her quick wit and honesty, touching the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of love, caring and dedication will be fondly remembered by her family and friends. Mary Lou "Gramcracker," will be dearly missed and always cherished in the hearts of those she leaves behind. The family would like to extend our gratitude to Mable Rose and Hillcrest assisted living staff, pastors, and those who cared for her over the final years of her life. The Rotert family has supported the Ronald McDonald house through their Tabbs for Abbs program for over 30 years in memory of Mary Lou's granddaughter Abigail Rotert. In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to go to the Ronald McDonald House (620 S. 38th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105).

Mary Lou Rotert

July 3, 1940 - November 7, 2024