Roy John Bottjer, 85, of Emmaus, died peacefully surrounded by family April 10, 2026. He was born in The Bronx, New York.

He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in The Bronx before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Capital University in Ohio.

His education laid the foundation for a remarkable 34-year career in specialty cement sales and marketing with the Universal Atlas Cement Division of US Steel, later Lehigh/Heidelberger Cement. From 1964 to 1988, he excelled in his field, earning accolades and respect as an industry leader. After retiring from his primary career, he continued to share his expertise as a technical consultant with AluChem and Strategic Analysis Inc.

He achieved numerous professional milestones during his career including serving as division chair of the refractory/ceramics division and chairman of the associates group of the Refractories Institute.

He was honored as an elected fellow of the American Ceramic Society and received recognition for his contributions to the refractories industry by UNITECR. Among his many accolades was the prestigious Planje Award presented by the St. Louis Section of the Refractory/Ceramics Division.

He possessed an innate wanderlust that took him across the globe. His career allowed him to explore much of the United States and he traveled extensively throughout Europe and South America with his wife.

He was a diehard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Yankees.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Schild Bottjer; sons, Gary Craig and his wife, Katie Gentile, of Macungie, Greg Andrew and his wife, Deborah Schonauer, of Chicago, Ill.; grandchildren, Erica Bottjer Flammer, Ryan Kimberly, Nathan Riley.

He was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Johanne Tacke Bottjer, who came to the United States from Germany; brother, Robert Martin.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Food Pantry, Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, and Lutheran World Relief.

A visitation will be held 10:30-11 a.m. April 18 at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm St., Emmaus, followed by a memorial service 11 a.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Food Pantry, Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville and Lutheran World Relief.