Blood Donor’s Legacy of Generosity Lives On

Harry Rotthaus recognized the importance of blood donation and helped save lives with his donations at Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB). He donated more than 15 gallons, stopping only when diagnosed with cancer in 2012. Harry passed away March 20, 2017.

His children, Mike and Laura Fowles and Doug and Penny Rotthaus, honored Harry’s commitment to blood donation by designating a portion of his memorial contributions to NCBB.

“The things that were most important to dad were his faith, family, work, and community,” Laura said. “Dad was grateful to be blessed with good health, and he enjoyed knowing that he was helping others with his ongoing blood donations over many years.”

Harry was a Lincoln realtor for 56 years and, according to son Doug, CEO of the Omaha Area Board of Realtors, it was a friend and fellow realtor who encouraged Harry to become a blood donor.

“My father and mother grew up on farms during the drought years of the Great Depression,” Laura said. “Throughout their lives, Mom and Dad taught my brother and me to appreciate everything and to always be grateful for our many blessings. He would be pleased to see contributions being made in his honor to support something he was so devoted to.”

You can continue your loved one’s passion for helping save lives through blood donation by making a financial gift or by hosting a blood drive in their memory. Please contact (402) 486-9412 or supportNCBB@ncbb.org.