Lake in the Hills gym teacher lived out dreams on 'bucket list'

Michael Rotenberry might not have had time on his side, but he made every minute count.

Rotenberry, of Lake in the Hills, died Friday after a battle with cancer. He was just 29.

Born in Elk Grove Village, Rotenberry graduated from Lake Park High School in Roselle and North Park University in Chicago.

From 2001-03, he served in the U.S. Army, stationed in South Korea.

After he returned to the U.S. his mother, Patricia, ran into his longtime friend Katherine Atkins, a teacher in Carpentersville-based Community Unit District 300.

"Michael is home, he's really looking for a job," Atkins remembers her saying.

Atkins helped him fill out job applications, as the pair reconnected.

Rotenberry was hired in District 300, working as a physical education teacher at Gary D. Wright Elementary in Hampshire and Perry Elementary in Carpentersville.

Diagnosed with stomach cancer in October, Rotenberry immediately made a bucket list, filled with "simple things" he wanted to accomplish, Atkins said.

Among them were getting engaged and married to Atkins, watching sports and spending as much time with friends and family as possible.

Rotenberry also authored a blog, www.rotenberry.wordpress.com, and made sure that the couple's Lake in the Hills home was fixed up perfectly.

Atkins and Rotenberry planned their wedding in two weeks, holding the ceremony in Atkins' parents' backyard and the reception in Rotenberry's parents' backyard.

The Rev. John P. Smyth, Maryville's former chief, officiated.

"(Michael) pretty much held out until the wedding day," Atkins said. "The day of the wedding he was exhausted but made the most of it."

Rotenberry stayed strong no matter how sick he got, Atkins said.

"We would laugh all the time," she said. "We took pride in every moment we had together."

Besides his wife, Rotenberry is survived by his parents, Wayne and Patricia, brother Timothy, grandfather William Killen, four nieces and nephews and a beloved dog, Wrigley.

Visitation will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. A service will follow at 7 p.m.

Those attending are asked to wear their favorite Bears, Cubs or Florida Gators attire in honor of Rotenberry's favorite teams.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael Rotenberry Memorial Fund, c/o Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home.