Howard Roth

Howard was born on May 8th, 1938, in Transylvania, Romania. Howard was the first born of George and Maria Roth. Howard’s life was blessed with two loving siblings, Ilse Strempfer and Peter Roth. Like so many Eastern European families during this period, Howard’s family faced the harsh realities of World War II. Howard’s family was cruelly separated with his father being taken as prisoner of war by the Soviet Union. For over five years, Howard’s family lived a life without a husband and father while living in war torn Europe. Despite the harsh conditions of a Soviet Union prisoner of war camp and a family lacking their family leader, the Roth family was reunited in 1951. Like so many European families, the Roth family decided to leave the old world for the new world. In 1951, Howard at age thirteen left Europe and moved to Canada.

While others struggled with the transition from Europe to North America, Howard and his family thrived. Howard would meet his beautiful wife Beverly as high school sweethearts and marry in 1959. He graduated with a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and like most U of M graduates always proudly wore his Wolverines baseball cap. Howard’s professional career touched many of America’s marquee corporate brands. His talents and leadership were utilized by Chrysler, Harley Davidson, Rexnord, AO Smith and Lear Seating. Howard’s work ethic and professionalism gave him a front seat at the workings of so many international corporations.

Howard was first and foremost a loving husband. If Howard could speak one last time, he would tell you about the woman who walked beside him for over 65 years—not behind him, not ahead of him, but beside him. Her love was steady, her faith unwavering, and her heart always open. She gave of herself in ways that words can’t fully capture. She served with grace, loved without condition, and forgave without hesitation. In the storms, she was his anchor. In the laughter, she was his joy. If you loved her, you were better for it, and he hopes that she knows that every beat of his heart was grateful for hers. Howard waits just beyond the veil, where time no longer separates them.

Howard and Beverly’s special bond created a family tree anchored by four boys who were taught to be men of honor, family, hard work, and Christian values. Mark, Alan, Randy and David learned from the best on how to be a good son, brother, husband and for some a grandfather. The four boys are married to amazing and strong women. Mark and Holly; Alan and Robyn, Randy and Monika and David and Tami. And because no family is complete unless they have a little sister, the Roth family is so blessed to have their cousin, Beth Stockford, who is considered a sister as part of Howard’s life story.

Howard’s family tree has added so many branches with sixteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Howard’s special spirit will live in each of them as they were all touched by him.

Although Howard devoted so much of his time to family and work, he did have other passions. Howard was an avid skier who skied into his late-70’s and a diehard motorcyclist. Howard loved his classical music and was a non-stop financial planner for the family. If you needed a budget spreadsheet for family spending, Howard was your man!

Howard, Husband, Brother, Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Friend, we will miss you and we love you. Thank you for touching all of our lives.

Please help us celebrate his life on Monday the 22nd of September at 10 AM (Visitation), 11 AM Service at One Way Christian Church Green Bay, 2071 9th St, Green Bay, WI 54304. Pastor Mark Jeske from Howard’s home church St. Marcus Lutheran will be presiding over the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcomed towards St. Marcus Lutheran Church and School, 2215 N Palmer Street, Milwaukee, WI. 

https://www.stmarcus.org/?form=SchoolGiving