Henry Rotroff

Henry (Hank) Rotroff, age 89, passed peacefully from this world to the next on September 13, 2025. He was listening to his favorite singer, Loretta Lynn, at the time of his death.

Hank, affectionately known as “Fazz” or “Fozz” to his family and some close friends, was born in Hillsboro, Ohio, on June 21, 1936, to William (Bill) and Amanda (Mandy) Rotroff. He lived in the Hillsboro area for his entire life except for short two-year period when the family moved to San Bernadino, California.

Hank was always active until his later years. When he was young, he enjoyed trips to various lakes for boat racing, water skiing, and fishing. He and his wife, Marilyn, made their home at Fisherman’s Wharf by Rocky Fork Lake for almost 50 years. Hank and Marilyn were a welcome pillar in the neighborhood, always happy to welcome people into their home with a cup of coffee and then send them off with a bounty of vegetables from Hank’s ever-growing garden. A man of many interests, Hank delighted in showing off his various projects, including his go-karts and model planes.

In Hank’s younger days, he loved his cars and was especially fond of his chartreuse-green Chevrolet convertible with an Oldsmobile 56 Rocket V-8 engine. He could often be found drag-racing it with Marilyn cheering him on from the passenger seat.

Hank was also an avid go-kart racer. His racing career spanned three decades, from the 1950s through the 1970s, and he traveled to racetracks all around the area. He collected over 140 trophies for his racing and displayed them proudly. In his later years, he participated in The Old Timers Race through Rear Engine American Racers at the historic speedway in Fremont, Ohio. He enjoyed swapping stories with other go-kart fanatics and eagerly awaited this yearly event.

As a young teenager, his passion for cars led him to working at Matson's Auto in downtown Hillsboro. He and his father, Bill, opened Hank and Bills Automotive Service in 1953 when Hank was only seventeen. He fixed many cars during those years and specialized in transmissions. His expertise as a mechanic earned him recognition from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an honor given to mechanics who prove their knowledge across all certification areas. In 1987, he was awarded the title of “World-Class Technician” from the ASE, a distinction bestowed on less than 1% of auto mechanics annually. He also used these skills to serve his country. Hank was a proud veteran, having served as a mechanic in the reserves with the Ohio National Guard during the Vietnam Era.

Most who knew Hank will remember him for his fishing prowess. He loved fishing anywhere at any time and fished countless lakes and ponds during his years. His stories were many. These valuable skills, including how to hold a fish to make it look bigger in pictures, will live on through friends and family. In the 1960s, he started fishing in Canada and was hooked (pun intended). Every year he could, he loaded up his dark-green fishing van and led legions of family and friends into Canada for a one- week excursion, always going farther and farther north. The moose hanging from the rear-view mirror reminded him to drive carefully after a battle between van and moose where the moose emerged victorious. His favorite place was Lake Abamasagi near Nakina, Ontario. Many of these fishermen still make the annual trek to Lake Abamasagi. After a day of fishing, they can be found around the campfire, talking fondly of the man who led them there.

Hank is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Steve) Sollars of Leesburg, and Sherry (Mike) Sollars of Washington Court House, as well as his grandchildren, Dannie (Ryan) Houston of Wilmington; Brad (September Tharp) Sollars of Washington Court House; Rob (Alicia) Sollars of Hillsboro; Kelly (Dustin) Marsh of Leesburg; Travis (Rachel) Sollars of Fairborn; Casey (Matt) Cellar of Columbus; Haley (Hunter) Wagner of Xenia; Jill (Kevin) Hall of Dublin; and Blake Sollars of Washington Court House, along with 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Frank (Irlene O’Banion) Stanley, of South Salem as well as a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A special friend, Lois Cook, also survives. Droves of friends and neighbors remember him fondly.

A glorious reunion was held with his beloved wife, Marilyn, and his parents, Bill and Amanda. Also attending the celebration were his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Charlie Jordan; mother-in-law, Evelyn Clark, and father-in-law, Merrick Clark; brother-in-law, Vernon Stanley, and his wife, Colleen; niece, Brenda Ward, and her husband, Bob; sister-in-law, Linda Stanley; and nieces, Joni Cope and Christy Stanley. His favorite fishing buddy, Jim Stanley, who doubled as a brother-in-law, was also so very happy to greet him. A day of fishing and reminiscing followed with a giant fish fry afterward, all topped off with German chocolate cake.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rhoads-Edgington Funeral Home of Hillsboro. Graveside services for both Hank and Marilyn will be held at a later date at the convenience of the immediate family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Hope, 909 Kenton Station Drive, Maysville, Kentucky 41056. This wonderful, caring organization was a great help and comfort to him and his family during his last days.

Fish on, Hank! Fish on!