John Rothstein of New Hope died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at Ecumenical St. Benedict Community in Monticello. He was 78. 
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Plymouth with Pastor Joe Behnke officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale, and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Burial will take place at 4 p.m. Friday, April 11, at Maine Prairie Cemetery near Kimball.
John Leander Rothstein was born Feb. 6, 1947, in St. Cloud to Leander and Genevieve (Orbeck) Rothstein. He grew up on a farm in Maine Prairie Township, attending elementary school at Holy Cross Catholic School in Marty. He graduated from Kimball High School with the Class of 1965, and continued his education at the Control Data Institute in Minneapolis. On Nov. 29, 1969, he was united in marriage to Sandra Kay Hilary at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Marty. They made their home in Golden Valley before moving to Owatonna where they began their family. In 1979, they moved to New Hope where Sandy cared for the home and family and John worked in technology.
John worked for many companies over his career. He dedicated 20 years in the computer division at Honeywell in Minneapolis, and 14 years to United Health Care as a voice and data engineer; he retired in 2019. He enjoyed computers and technology which made his work a joy for him.
John found true joy in his family and the world around him, relishing in the love of his family, the tranquility of nature during hunting and fishing excursions, and the complexities of the computer world. He will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for the kindness and warmth he shared with friends and family.
John was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sandy, infant sister Julie, and infant brother Joseph.
He is survived by his children Jeremy (and Kathy) Rothstein of New Hope, Joshua (and Angela) Rothstein of Vadnais Heights, and Jenina Rothstein (and Wes Boyette) of St. Michael; seven grandchildren: John C. (and Anna), Basil, Gavin (and Hannah), Rianna, and Adriana Rothstein, and Caleb and Jonas Boyette; great-grandchild Natalie Rose Rothstein; sisters Dorothy (and Harry) Molumby of South San Francisco, Calif., Luella (and Leo) Louis of Paynesville, Susan (and Larry) Linnemeyer of Cambridge, Jane (and Millard) Hickman of Litchfield, Teresa (and Joe) Borgstrom of Buffalo, and MaryAnn (and Steve) Edwards of Kimball; brothers Marvin (and Connie) of Staples, Robert of Kimball, David (and Yvonne) of Sauk Rapids, Arthur (and Donna) of Clearwater, and Lawrence (and Vicki) of Moundsview; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
John’s grandchildren will serve as casket bearers for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.