Richard Donald "Dick" Roth

Richard (Dick) Donald Roth
Richard Donald Roth, affectionately known as Dick, left his earthly life on November 22, 2025, at the age of 89 years, 10 months, and 4 days, after a long and rewarding life.
Dick was born on January 18, 1936, in a private home in Batesland, South Dakota, to Levi M. Roth and Edna Mae (Arnold) Roth. He joined his older brother Marvin and younger sister Janice completing the family.
He grew up on a farm south of Batesland where he spent the first 24 years of his life. Dick attended the Rural Demmer one-room school for elementary education and later graduated from Gordon High School with the Class of 1954. During high school, his favorite class-by far-was football, at which he excelled and won many honors and awards.
In 1955, he married his high school sweetheart Wanda (Peters) Roth and established their first home on the Roth farm south of Batesland. In 1960, they purchased a farm south of Gordon. At the time, their three children, Curtis, Kirby, and Laurie accompanied them to Nebraska, where Toni and Steven later joined the family. Dick had always dreamed of being a farmer, and over the next forty-plus years he became a very successful one. Through dedication, hard work, and perseverance, they expanded their operation with additional acres, cattle, and irrigation systems, building a thriving farm of which they were proud. Dick and Wanda left the farm in August of 2024 and moved to Pioneer Court Apartments in Hay Springs.
Dick was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church; he served as an Elder and Deacon and participated in many church activities. He was also a Past Master of Arcana Masonic Lodge #195. His service to the community included: serving on local COOP boards, the 4-H council, and the local school board. Dick participated in conservation of his land through the NRD, ASCS Programs, and Pheasants Forever. In addition to farming and public service, Dick worked as a telephone lineman, fuel delivery truck driver, gas station attendant, grain bin inspector for the ASCS, and a tree-planting supervisor for the NRD.
In his free time, Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling - especially on Elderhostel trips and family adventures. Dick and Wanda purchased a 5th wheel RV and enjoyed it on many excursions. He loved playing cribbage and completing jigsaw puzzles, and he and Wanda shared many wonderful years square dancing together. He also spent countless happy hours playing cards and games with his family and friends. Watching three generations of loved ones grow brought him great joy, and he was an avid participant in their lives.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents Levi and Edna, his brother Marvin, his sister Janice, and various other family members. Dick is survived by his wife Wanda, his 5 children - Curtis (Sandra), Kirby (Coleen), Laurie, Toni (Steven), and Steven (Dixie), his ten grandchildren - Nichole, Nathan, Kayla, Kara, Kelly, Sarena, Charles, Rustin, Renee, and Grace and his 18 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations will be sent to Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs and First Presbyterian Church of Gordon.