Roberta J. Rotolo

Roberta “Robbie” J. Rotolo, age 65, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. She was born on Saturday, March 5, 1960, in Green Bay to Robert and Jacqueline (Leanna) Smajda.

Roberta was a creator at heart—never without a crochet hook, a sewing needle, or a new project waiting for her hands. Her handmade gifts were legendary, the kind you could feel the love in just by holding them. Family meant everything to her, and she built relationships that lasted a lifetime. Even after her divorce, she and her former husband, Salvatore Rotolo, remained close friends. Twenty years later, they still celebrated holidays together and shared countless moments as family.

She adored babysitting her grandchildren and, eventually, her great-grandchildren. Seeing them—hearing their voices, watching them play—never failed to brighten her day. She cherished every moment she spent with them.

One of her proudest accomplishments was living clean and sober for over twenty-five years—but what made that accomplishment so meaningful was why she chose it. When she found out she was going to be a grandmother, she made the decision to quit drinking and never looked back. It was a testament to her strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.

Shopping trips were one of her greatest joys, especially when she stumbled across the perfect treasure for someone she loved—which was often. She could frequently be found curled up with a Dean Koontz novel, challenging family and friends to a board or card game (especially canasta), or sharing stories over Dove chocolates or a Kinder treat.

Roberta loved Donny Osmond, and getting to see him in concert was one of the shining highlights of her life. She was always up for fun: rollercoasters, game nights, holiday cooking marathons—she brought energy, warmth, and excitement to everything she touched.

Roberta is survived by her father, Robert Smajda; daughter, Jessica Keith; grandchildren: Sydney (Joey) Erno, Annika Blackburn, Hunter Blackburn, Piper Berg, Alexandria Nettkoven, Marshall Nettekoven, Rea Keith; great-grandchildren: Grayson Erno, Elliana Ohlke, Amarii McGee; siblings: Diane (Chris) Silva, Michelle (Corey) Duss, Nannette Cardin, Michael (Christine) Smajda, Nicholas (Stephanie) Smajda; and her son-in-law, Scott Krug.

She was further preceded in death by her mother, Jacqueline (Leanna) Smajda; daughter, Melissa Krug; grandchildren: Ashton Berg and Daymon Krug; sister, Karen Miller; and former spouse, Salvatore Rotolo.

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