Clarence A. Rotty

Clarence A. Rotty, age 90 of Hastings, died peacefully on Tuesday evening, May 9, 2017, at his home following a recent illness. Clarence Alphonse, the son of John and Clara (Kummer) Rotty, was born on October 26, 1926, in Hastings. Following his education, Clarence enlisted in the United States Army and later received an honorable discharge. On July 2, 1953, Clarence was united in marriage to T. Melvina OShaughnessy in Hastings. They owned and operated the Hastings Auction Service as well as the Hastings Hardware Store Boat Dealership for many years. Clarence was a 60 plus year member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1600 of Hastings, where he was both a Third and Fourth Degree member. He was also a dedicated member of the Eagles Club and the Hastings Volunteer Fire Department. Clarence enjoyed hunting pheasants and deer, fishing, auctioneering, traveling in his R.V., and wintering in Texas with Melvina. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Kathryn Conzemius, Leona Kimmes, Evarist Rotty, and Alois Rotty; and by his wife Melvina in 2013. Clarence is survived by his brother, Eugene "Jim" (Shirley) Rotty of Hastings; his many nieces and nephews, whom he cherished as his own children; and by many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father T.J. McKenzie officiating. Visitation will be held at church from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday. Military Honors provided by the VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210 of Hastings will be held at church, with a reception following, also at church. Private family interment will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Cemetery in Hastings. In lieu of flowers, Clarence requested memorials be donated to Hastings Family Service in his memory. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings.