Edmund H. Rothfelder

Edmund Herman Rothfelder, aged 80, passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 20, 2025, in Portland, Michigan after a prolonged battle with dementia. He was born on October 28, 1945, in Portland, Oregon to Herman and Mary Rothfelder.

He is survived by his beloved children, Megan Garlick, Jennifer Gelman, Charles Gallagher, and Michael Gallagher; his life partner, Ellen Parker; his brother, Michael Rothfelder; twelve beautiful grandchildren and six adorable great-grandchildren; as well as lifelong friends, Michael and Mary Palkowski, and Joseph and Mary Doher.

Ed was born in Portland, Oregon during World War II. After his father completed military service, the family relocated first to Cuba, then Chicago, and eventually settled in Toronto, Ontario when Ed was about ten. During his formative school years, Ed developed a passion for sports such as ice hockey and skiing. Proudly, he attended Michigan State University, earning a degree in finance to follow his interest in numbers and city government. Throughout his life, Ed remained a dedicated MSU supporter and devoted much of his time assisting cities, churches, and families in the greater Detroit area with financial matters.

He was a fierce lover of many things: family, friends, finance, and football. His wisdom and quick wit kept all who knew him laughing. His intense competitive spirit and love of everything in Detroit is epic. His love kept his family close and confident even when we were challenging. His long-life talks were legendary. His love of travel and music has been instilled in us all. His obsession with numbers has made us all better with finances. His strength of character and compassion built lifelong friendships and created family values that will live on in all the lives he has touched.

Thank you to Portland Country Living and Lansing Hospice Teams for your support this past year. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Donations may be made to local music programs or dementia research. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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