Donald Roth

Donald Wayne Roth, 93, of Denver, passed away peacefully at his home on February 11, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.

Don was born in Keystone, Iowa, on October 27, 1928 to Ernst and Emma (Deppe) Roth.  He was the third of four children with older sisters, Glady (Kramer) and Voni (Yerkes), and younger brother Keith Roth.

From an early age, Don worked for his father who owned and operated one of Iowa’s largest road construction companies, where he learned early how to drive heavy machinery.  Summers were spent in a small trailer with his parents and siblings as they traveled from job to job, constructing roads for the State of Iowa and private developments.

Like many of his generation, he attended a one room schoolhouse for primary education.  His high school years were spent at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, where he excelled in basketball and track, the latter of which he earned a scholarship to the University of Iowa.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1950.

After graduation, Don served in the Army during the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in Alaska constructing runways for military aircraft.  Upon his discharge from the service, Don went to work for Standard Oil where he excelled as a salesman for the company, promoted to various positions throughout Iowa and Kansas City.  In 1969, Don left Standard Oil for an opportunity to become a partner in Silco Oil Co. in Denver, CO.  Don would frequently cite this final move of his career as the best decision of his life as it resulted in many lifelong friendships which he treasured most.

An excellent fisherman, Don and his partners spent multiple trips to Hawaii off the Kona coast, deep sea fishing in a variety of local tournaments.  On one special occasion, Don reeled in a 955 ½ lb Blue Marlin, winning the tournament for his team. Come Fall, Don, his family and friends, could be found in the corn fields of Mitchell, South Dakota, hunting pheasants and telling stories late into the evening with gin and tonic in hand. An excellent golfer, Don enjoyed many courses throughout his life, but Los Verdes Golf Club and Cherry Creek Country Club were his favorites. His love of Denver sports ran deep, never missing a Broncos home game since 1970. During retirement, Don and his wife enjoyed traveling to many countries, a few favorites being Tanzania and Norway.  Don was also an avid reader of business periodicals and Tom Clancy novels.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and daughter Annie.  He is survived by his wife, Therese, of 44 years, sons David Roth and Steve Roth, granddaughter Krista Oldham and many nieces and nephews.