Terry D. Rothgeb

Creative by Nature – The Life of Terry D. Rothgeb

Terry D. Rothgeb, age 81 of Kentucky, passed away peacefully, in his home, surrounded by those who loved him.

Terry was born on August 13, 1944, the son of Malcolm and Wilma (Baier) Rothgeb. He grew up on the family farm in Milford, Illinois, alongside his brother Wayne Rothgeb and sister Arline K. “Kay” Lovett. From an early age, Terry’s father affectionately described him as “creative by nature,” a phrase that suited him perfectly throughout his life. That creativity was not only a gift he possessed, but also a way of seeing and living in the world.

A lifelong learner, educator, and mentor, Terry devoted his professional life to inspiring others through design. In August 1973, he began his career at the University of Kentucky as a professor in the College of Design. Over the course of 39 years, he educated and mentored generations of students, helping shape America’s future design minds. He retired on February 1, 2012, leaving behind a lasting legacy of creativity, wisdom, and encouragement, as well as a career that earned him the gratitude and admiration of countless students and colleagues whose lives he touched. Terry was a graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he built the foundation for a career marked by both talent and purpose.

A devoted brother, uncle, and faithful friend, Terry’s loyalty and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He lived life to the fullest and used every experience he had to enrich and better his life. He valued personal connections deeply and was a steady, caring presence in the lives of family, friends, colleagues, and former students. He formed meaningful connections wherever he went and

had a special way of encouraging others to see more in themselves. His friendship was steady, sincere, and deeply valued. His thoughtful spirit, creative mind, and gift for mentorship were among the many qualities that made him so deeply admired and loved.

Terry carried with him the values instilled during his childhood—hard work, love of family, and appreciation for life’s opportunities. He lived life fully and intentionally, using every experience as an opportunity to grow, learn, and enrich his life. Terry appreciated beauty, creativity, conversation, and the simple but meaningful moments that make life rich. He brought warmth, wisdom, curiosity, and kindness to those around him, and his presence made people feel seen, valued, and inspired.

Terry will be remembered for his creative spirit, his commitment to educating others, his generous heart, his love of learning, and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, students, and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Wilma Rothgeb; his brother, Wayne Rothgeb; and his sister, Arline K. “Kay” Lovett.

He is survived by his loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and dear friends, all of whom will cherish his memory.

Celebration of Life event to be held in Lexington Ky. Details TBD

Internment and private family ceremony at Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford, IL. Date TBD