Darwin Rott

Darwin Rott, 80, Bismarck, died April 20, 2017. Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, April 25, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Deacon Jerry Volk officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Monday, April 24, at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Darwin was born July 9, 1936, on the family farm in Fredonia, ND, the son of Bennie and Martha (Maier) Rott. He graduated from West Fargo High School in 1954 and Interstate Business School in 1955. Darwin enlisted in the US Army and served from 1955 – 1958. He was assigned to the Army Security Agency in the Intelligence Crop and reached rank of staff sergeant. While in the army he was stationed in Europe and Africa. Darwin was very proud of his service to his country, his honorable discharge and Good Conduct Medal. Darwin married Marian Finneseth in Fargo on February 27, 1960, and to this union three children were born, Bill, Al, and Lynda. The family moved to Bismarck in 1970. Darwin worked for Goodyear Tire and Skelly Oil Co., for 21 years, holding positions as credit and store managers, field representative, and truck stop manager. Following health problems, he returned to college and received his degree in accounting. He worked for Great Plains Benefits Group and Unisys Corporation until retiring in 1999. Darwin would work for the ND Tax Department during the busy tax season. Darwin enjoyed golfing, but his passion was bowling. He successfully competed in various bowling leagues and tournaments. He coached youth bowling and even bowled a 300 game with his best friend, Fritz Zainhofsky, as a witness. Collecting coins, playing bridge and watching Vikings and NDSU football were also favorite pastimes. Darwin is survived by his children, Bill (Lisa), Al (Kim), and Lynda (Dave) Hahn; seven grandchildren, Jon, Mike, Matt, Colton, Jessica, Benjamin and Garrett. He was preceded in death by his wife Marian in 1992. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bismarck Sanford Hospice.