“Awaiting Further Orders” Karlton J. Rothgeb, Ice Bucket Challenge

The new onset craze of the Ice Bucket Challenge, to raise awareness and money for ALS, brought to mind thoughts of my husband’s military story and his battle with ALS that ended on November 1, 2010.

When Karlton showed up for his Basic Training, he was immediately summoned to the Commanders Office. Karl’s file indicated intelligence, administrative abilities and that he could type over 100 words per minute. The office was cluttered and stacked with unfinished paperwork and he was asked, “Can you help me?” So that’s what Karl did, managed a prefect, neat, organized, efficient office throughout the entire basic training. At the conclusion, he was told to pick whatever he would like to do and to “stand by for further orders”. So even today….Karlton J. Rothgeb, is standing by for further orders, but he is standing by – beside God.

My nephew, Bret Turnbull, did the Ice Bucket Challenge with two friends, with each nominating 3 others. ALS leaves its victims with a life expectancy of two to five years after diagnosis, affects roughly 30,000 Americans and there is no treatment and there is no cure.

In Loving Memory of my husband, Karlton J. Rothgeb, Attorney at Law, December 4, 1938 to November 1, 2010. Within 2 years of receiving the diagnoses of ALS, Karl died peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2010.

“See the Epic ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!” Video

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Merrilee Turnbull (Rothgeb)

I am just a simple girl from Inkster, Michigan

In 1963, my brother Roy and I stood beside my mother at the Centennial Celebration in Inkster, Michigan. (1863-1963) We were dressed in Hand made outfits and my mother, Lou Ellen Turnbull, unveiled a portrait she painted of Robert Inkster, the namesake of the village and post office. This small Detroit bedroom community highlights the core values of America and our way of Life. The very way of life that our American Soldier has pledged to be a guardian of.

We support those courageous individuals who fought and died in the pursuit of Independence and our warriors and veterans who continued the fight for freedom since the capture of our independence. They proudly serve the people of the United States, defend our freedom and American way of Life, with true faith and allegiance to the US Constitution.

Our Yellow Rose Stories are in commemoration and honor of our nations brave warriors, past and present, and their families who also serve.

Merrilee Turnbull

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