Robert Roth

SUN PRAIRIE-Robert A. Roth, age 91, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017. He was born to Albert C. and Martha (Kammerer) Roth of Madison on March 30, 1925. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Middleton where he grew up and graduated from Middleton Grade School in 1938 and Middleton High School in 1942. A brief period of employment at Oscar Mayer took him through his 18th birthday. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program and left for basic training at Sheppard Field in Texas in June of 1943. Graduation as a 2nd Lt. Pilot from single engine flight school took place at Spence Field in October of 1944. There followed an assignment to B-24 co-pilot training and subsequently, an assignment to the training command for the duration of service. On March 27, 1945, he married Kathryn (Kay) Ann Jones. December of 1945 brought an honorable discharge from service. After his discharge, Robert and Kay returned to Madison for the Christmas season. He remained in the field of aviation over the next 23 years with various assignments that took him and his family from coast to coast. Helicopters were a new medium of flight and he loved being part of them. He also became an entrepreneur in many areas. Robert and Kay were married for 57 years and had four children. After Kay's passing, Robert found love again with Betty Skoien They were married on August 8, 2004, and he took on her children as his own. Bob was known for his love, generosity, quick wit, and constant smile.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his three children, Susan (Bruce) Colston, Nancy (Michael) Holm, and Paul (Angie) Roth; Betty's children, Debbie (Tom) Coy, Ruth (John) Gross, Julie (Jerry) Walther and Bonnie Coy; foreign exchange daughter, Susanne (Dr. Reinald) Mayer; sister, Betty Krause; brother, Donald (Mary) Roth; and brother-in-law, Dale O'Donnell and Joe Jones; seventeen grandchildren, Amy (Todd) Paxton, David (Jane) Schuth, Kathy Schuth, Mackenzie Colston, Megan Parker, Stephanie (Mike) Johnson, Emily Roth, Stephanie (Brian) Sauer, Stacy (Ryan) Hastings, Brad (Kelly) Coy, Brooke Coy, Nicholas (Shannon) Gross, Aaron (Sherri) Gross, Adam (Monica) Gross, Jeremy (Jamie) Gross, Robert (Kenzie) Walther, Michael Walther, and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn; infant son, Charles; and sisters, Marie Perry and Dorothy O'Donnell.

A funeral service will be held at BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, 300 Broadway Street, Sun Prairie, on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Vera officiating. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to caregivers, Demetrius Wade, Emma Gerbitz, and Agrace Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Wisconsin Chapter of APDA (Marathon Fund).

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie
608-837-9054