Lewis Irwin Rothbard

Lewis Irwin Rothbard,

Lewis was born September 13, 1938, and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 21, 2016. He graduated from Shortridge High School in 1956 and attended Indiana University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu. After college, Lewis worked at Western Distributing Company and The Mart alongside his father. He then went on to begin his 48 year real estate career in Chicago before moving back to Indianapolis where he started Rothbard and Associates and R.D.C. Management Company in 1973. Lew successfully developed, leased and managed many buildings in Indianapolis and around the country. He helped shape Indianapolis into the beautiful place that it is today.

To Lew his family and friends were the highlight of his life. Lew enjoyed watching sports, especially his IU Hoosiers and Indianapolis Colts. Lewis was an avid tennis player. He enjoyed playing with his friends and especially with his children. Even with his heroic battle with cancer he continued to play shortly before his death. He was also a tenacious reader. Lewis was an excellent dancer and enjoyed bike rides and long walks with his wife of over 20 years, Deborah. He loved traveling and had recently visited Istanbul, Greece, and Africa. He especially liked spending time in his second home in Ft. Myers, Florida.

Lew was a member of Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, Broadmoor Country Club, Indianapolis Re-development Board and the Five Seasons Sports and Country Club.

Lew's life goals were to live a long, happy, healthy life.

He never knew a stranger and was loved by all. His proudest accomplishment was his children, and he also took great pride in all his grandchildren. Lewis was very proud to see his youngest daughter Leighann graduate from Indiana University and to know that she will be attending IU School of Law in the fall.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Deborah Peelle Rothbard; his devoted children, Leighann Rothbard, Ellen (Bill) Cooler and Jeff (Laurie) Rothbard; his caring step-daughter, Kari Snyder; his loving sister, Susan Dill; and his adored grandchildren, Joshua, McKenna, Sara, and Lauren.

A funeral service will be held at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260 on Thursday, February 25th at 2 PM. Burial will follow in the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation North Cemetery.

Lew fought cancer for seven years the same way he lived his life, with determination and a positive attitude. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the IU Simon Cancer Center for lung cancer research. Please make checks payable to: IU Foundation and mail to IUF; PO Box 7072; Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Indicate "In memory of Lewis Rothbard" on the memo line. You may also make donations online at cancer.iu.edu/giving.

Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.

As Lew would say, "Never, never, never give up!"