The Rothenberg Legacy
(Photo: Mrs. Rothenberg and Rev. Yost at building dedication)
THE EARLY YEARS (1900 – 1939):
Herbert Rothenberg was born on September 5, 1900 in Elsental, Germany (Poland) to Max and Gabriala Rothenberg at the modest family farm. His formative years were uneventful with schooling and tending to the family farm.
THE WORLD WAR I YEARS (1914 – 1918):
As a result of World War I, Herbert Rothenberg was displaced and resettled in Tribohm, Germany. He established a family farm which prospered over the years. Maria Wollenbacker was born on June 5, 1920. Her formative years were spent with schooling and working on Herbert's farm. She married Herbert Rothenberg in 1943.
THE WORLD WAR II YEARS (1939-1945):
Herbert Rothenberg was conscripted into the army and served on the Russian Front. Maria Rothenberg was left to tend the family farm. She was required to take in refugees from the East. The farm was overrun and plundered by Russians multiple times during the war. Prisoners of War (POWs) were assigned to help tend the farm. Regina Rothenberg was born on January 31, 1944, in Blankinhagin, Germany. Karsten Rothenberg was born on March 11, 1945, in Marlow, Germany. Herbert was wounded in the war and return to Tribohm in 1945. Bernd Rothenberg was born November 22, 1946, in Tribohm, Germany.
POST WORLD WAR II (1945-1952):
Germany was partitioned into East and West. The Rothenberg's were displaced. Herbert Rothenberg relocated to West Germany for work and housing to support his family. Maria Rothenberg remained in East Germany to wandering from place to place with her children. Eventually Herbert took two perilous trips back to East Germany to retrieve his wife and children to West Germany. West Germany was devastated by the war and life was tough. In 1952, the Rothenberg's immigrated to the United States of America.
POST 1952:
In 1952, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church sponsored the Rothenberg's for immigration and settlement in the USA. The Church assisted the Rothenberg's as best they could. The church found a job on the Kelso Farm in Aldie, Virginia. The Kelso Farm was a distant place in a strange land. The Rothenbergs went about becoming self-sufficient. Herbert went to work on the farm. Marias set about caring for the house and family. With no English language skills, the children were enrolled in school to fend for themselves. The farmhands helped supervise (play) with the German kids during free time leaving Herbert and Maria to concentrate on work. Life was difficult for everyone in a foreign cultural environment and unfamiliar summer heat. Somewhere along the way the Rothenberg's became members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
In 1953, the Rothenberg's moved to a farm in Vienna, Virginia. Life eased a bit because Holy Trinity Lutheran Church was closer at hand and could provide more assistance. The Rothenberg's were able to spend more time studying English and immersion in the local culture. David Rothenberg was born on April 5, 1955. In 1957 the greater community helped the Rothenberg's build a house in Burke, Virginia.
In 1958, after years of study, the Rothenbergs became citizens and integrally woven into the American fabric. Herbert and Maria continued to work at multiple jobs. The children worked their way through public school. The Rothenberg's became more active at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Somewhere along the way Herbert became the church janitor, Maria became active in Alter Guild activities. The children started participating in church activities. At church the children endeared themselves to Herbert. His gentle discipline was willingly received. Carpel punishment was not in Herbert's makeup. but if looks could kill. All knew if rules weren't adhered to, a stern lecture in broken English would follow. Children came and went but always returned to give Herbert a hug and thank him for his sage counsel. On the other hand, Maria endeared herself to the church adults. Maria had a knack for getting the most out of everyone. Everyone gave willingly of their time and talent. She had a special knack for collecting donations for everything not included in the church budget. Again, congregants came and went but all returned to hug Maria and thank her for her efforts.
Regina Rothenberg graduated from Annandale High School, went to work in the medical field for a productive career and got married which produced two sons.
Karsten Rothenberg graduated from VA TECH with a degree in Civil Engineering and joined the Air Force serving in assignments all over the world for a productive career.
Bernd Rothenberg graduated from W.T. Woodson High School and went to work in the communications field for a productive career and got married which produced one daughter. Bernd passed away on August 7, 2017, and is interned at Quantico National Cemetery.
David Rothenberg graduated from VA TECH with a degree in Civil Engineering and joined Clarke Construction serving in foundation engineering for a productive career.
Herbert Rothenberg passed away on September 27, 1993, and is interned at Fairfax Memorial Garden.
Maria Rothenberg passed away on August 11, 2012, and is interned beside her husband at Fairfax Memorial Garden.