George Joseph Roth, age 88, of Newton, Illinois, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2023, at his home.  George was born on August 13, 1935, on the family farm, south of Olney, Illinois, the son John and Florence (Brassie) Roth. 

He graduated from St Joseph Grade School and East Richland High School. After high school, George served in the United States Army.  George married Suzanne “Sue” Frohning on April 28, 1962, at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, and she survives.

George had a strong work ethic and started working at a young age.  He worked at Mike’s Ice Cream Parlor, Hahn Motors, Eagleson Motors, M.D. Borah Ford, all in Olney, Consumer Power in Michigan, farmed, sold insurance, and later retired from Newton Power Station after 25 years of service.  Following his retirement, he started helping as an assistant at Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home/ Meyer Funeral Home for 10 years and served as a deputy for the Jasper County Coroner. 

George also worked and invested in the oil industry for many years and owned his own company, Roth Oil Company.  He enjoyed exploring, drilling, and producing oil wells. George was a faithful member of St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, were he served as greeter, sacristan, usher, eucharistic minister, and a member of parish finance council and the weekly Rosary prayer group.

George was a member of the Knight of Columbus #1704 and a 4th degree member of the Newton Assembly #1554.  He was a member for 68 ½ years and served in many levels of the Knights of Columbus, serving past Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and had recruited well over 300 members during his time.

George was also a member of the Winterrowd Masonic Lodge #664, Ainad Shriners, Jasper County Shrine Club, Jasper Post #20 American Legion, Disabled American Veterans.

George enjoyed martial arts and was a 4th degree black belt in karate.  He enjoyed traveling, visiting with family and friends and never knew a stranger.

George also did a lot of volunteer work over the years.  He delivered meals on wheels, coached baseball, and softball, and helped with activities on the long-term care unit of Richland Memorial Hospital.

George is survived by his wife of 61 years – Sue Roth of Newton, Illinois

Children – Chris (Cheryl) Roth of DeBary, Florida; Suzanne Withers of Oakwood, Illinois; and Jenna (Carl) Blake of Yale, Illinois

Sister – Pauline (Carl) Frohning of Newton, Illinois

Grandchildren – Cody (Marley) Roth, Connor Roth, Marissa Withers, Kyle Withers, Jeremy (Lena) Blake, and Michael (Shelly) Blake

Great Grandchildren – Finnegan Roth, Jackson Roth, Riley Blake, Brantley Blake, and Allison Blake

Sister-in-law- Lena Roth of Olney, Illinois

Several nieces, nephews, and special friends also survive.

George was preceded in death by his parents, sons Anthony Roth and John Roth, siblings Charles Roth, James Robert Roth, Charlotte Roth, and Joan Lynn, and his father and mother-in-law John and Leona Frohning. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM (Noon) – Friday, August 25, 2023, at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois.  The burial will be in the Mt Calvary Cemetery in Newton, Illinois, with military rites by the Jasper Post # 20 American Legion.

Meyer Funeral Home, Newton, IL