Johann Hans A. Rotter

Johann “Hans” Rotter, longtime South Bay resident, passed away at his home in Rolling Hills on July 1st at the age of 83.

Hans was born June 22, 1935 in Töging, Germany, to Josef and Hedwig Rotter. As a boy, he helped raise chickens, pigs, and goats and enjoyed home-grown berries with his family. At 14, he apprenticed as a baker to help with family expenses, and during his long hours of work dreamed of living in California near the beach.

Hans moved from his beloved Bavarian village to Los Angeles in 1955 with only a cardboard suitcase and $50. One of the first things he bought was a German-American dictionary with the goal of speaking English without an accent. Hans proudly served as a corporal in the United States Army and was an avid soccer player, playing professionally for the Los Angeles Kickers, winning the 1958 U.S. Open Cup.

Hans was an industrious and dedicated entrepreneur. He and his wife, Teri, were active real estate investors, flipping houses in the 1960s. His love of soccer led him to purchase a large area of land in Torrance and open a soccer field and hot dog stand. Hans said, “I needed a place to play soccer, so I built one.” That was the humble beginning of Alpine Village; a place which allowed Hans to share his German heritage and culture with family, friends, and the community.

His favorite time of year was Christmas. “Opa,” as he was known to his grandchildren, would bake Christmas cookies and share stories of his childhood. Decorating the Christmas tree always began with the same cardboard suitcase that he carried from Germany, now filled with ornaments and holiday memories. His family and friends will always carry memories of Hans in their hearts.

Hans is survived by his wife of 56 years, Teri, three sisters, two daughters and sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and a large extended family.