William R. “Bill” Roth
William R. “Bill” Roth, 70, of Pulaski, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 5.
Bill was born on Oct. 18, 1948, in Winamac, to the late Harry J. and Iva Lucile (Degner) Roth. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1967 and Ball State University in 1973. On Oct. 1, 1976, Bill married Patricia J. “Peach” Kimmerling. She survives.
Bill was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski, where he served on the parish council, as a member of the finance committee, and taught religious education. His faith was paramount in his life. He loved our community very much and his caring showed in the many ways he was involved. In years past, he enjoyed coaching softball for the Merchant’s League. He was a founding member of the Pulaski Animal Center and was currently serving as board president.
In 1974, Bill joined The Braun Corporation as the lone accountant and human resource director. In more than 35 years, he touched the lives of countless individuals. Anyone and everyone who entered his office was treated with the same level of respect. In 2010, Bill retired after serving more than two decades as the president of The Braun Corporation.
Bill enjoyed playing poker, blackjack and euchre with friends from all over. He was an avid Chicago Cubs, Notre Dame and New England Patriots fan. Bill attended many Cubs games with friends and family over the years. He was a conservationist, having planted nearly 17,000 trees. Bill loved the outdoors, especially spending time at “The Pit.” He was the recipient of three wonderful service dogs from Canine Companions for Independence: Bahrt, Raymer and Rita. Rita survives.
Bill was a kind, gentle and generous man who made the world a better place. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife Patricia J. “Peach” Roth of Pulaski; sisters: Mary Lea Sass of Francesville, Margaret “Peggy” Burzinski of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Carolyn [James] Witham of Pulaski, and Rebecca [Chuck] Zellers of Winamac; brothers: Harold “Sonny” [Patty] Roth of Pulaski, Richard “Bub” [Sandy] Roth of Winamac, and Robert [Kathy] Roth of The Villages, Florida; aunt Betty Lou Hughes of Palmetto, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry J. and Iva Lucile (Degner) Roth; and sister Patsy Ann Shoemaker.
Visitation was from 3-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A scriptural wake service was held at 2 p.m. followed by a rosary service on Sunday, June 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. A funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 10, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski. Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiated. Burial took place at St. Joseph Cemetery South in Pulaski.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Roth We Care Fund c/o Community Foundation of Pulaski County.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — June 12, 2019)