Fred Rottler, Founder of Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions, Passes Away

Fred Rottler (left) founded Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions, which is now run by his sons Mike (center) and Gary (right).

ST. LOUIS — Fred O. Rottler, founder of Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions, died Monday after an unexpected illness at the Cedars at the JCA rehabilitation center. He was 77 and a 50-year resident of Florissant.

Rottler was born in St. Louis and was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, where he played football and rugby. He served with the Army in the Korean War.

In 1956, Mr. Rottler founded what is now Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions with a $10 loan from his wife's aunt and a single spray tank. He and his wife, Ann Rottler, worked from their home for many years. Today, the business has four locations - two in St. Louis County, one in Ellisville and one in Wentzville. The company has been ranked among the top 100 pest management firms in the nation by Pest Control Technology Magazine for the past five years.

Rottler retired from the business several years ago but remained involved in the business until the time of his death. Two of his sons, Michael Rottler and Gary Rottler now run the business.

Visitation is from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday at Hutchens Mortuary, 675 Graham Road in Florissant. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Rose Phillipine Duchesne Catholic Church, 2650 Parker Road in Florissant. Burial will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

In addition to his wife of 53 years and the two sons who run the pest control business, Rottler is survived by another son, Paul Rottler of Kirkwood; a daughter, Virginia Gruber of Maryland Heights; and 10 grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady's Inn, 4223 South Compton Avenue, St.

Source: www.stltoday.com