Leonard J. Roth, Fairbury, 87 died at 8:20am Friday, October 18, 2024 at Fairview Haven Retirement Home, Fairbury.
His funeral service will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Forrest, IL with Pastor Dave Costner officiating. Burial will be in Forrest Township Cemetery where full military rites will be accorded by the JA Folwell American Legion Post #174.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and 10:00 to 10:45 am Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the J.A. Fowell American Legion Post #174, or the or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Leonard was born on September 4, 1937, in Forrest Township, the youngest child of Daniel and Carrie (Rieger) Roth. He married Marilyn Kaufman on June 7, 1964, in Rankin, Illinois. She died on June 20, 2014.
Surviving is one daughter, Cathy Roth, Austin, TX, four grandchildren; Katherine, Jacob, Lincoln, and Elizabeth Roth, daughter-in-law Jody, New Palestine, IN, and special friend Judith Wells, Fairbury.
Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, his son, Doug, his parents, three sisters, and six brothers.
Leonard was a devoted and loving husband of over 50 years, dad, grandpa, uncle, cousin, friend, and neighbor. After graduating from Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School and working in the agriculture industry selling lumber, feed, and farm buildings, Leonard enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in the Strategic Air Command from 1960-1964. Following his military service, he returned home where he owned and operated a livestock and grain farm.
He was very active throughout his lifetime in the Forrest community serving as a Forrest Township trustee for over a decade and was an active member of the JA Fowell American Legion Post #174.
Grounded in his faith and love for the Lord, Leonard embraced all the changes that come with living a long life always keeping his strong sense of purpose to serve and love others. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories. Leonard understood the value of family and took special joy in spending time with his four grandchildren. He also enjoyed all the benefits of growing up in a large family with time with his siblings, nieces and nephews, and extended family members. Leonard never met a stranger extending friendship quickly and was known for his kindness and optimism. Over the years, the fellowship of his Legion friends and coffee group friends were especially important to him. Leonard loved sports cheering loudest as a die-hard Chicago Cubs, Bears, and University of Illinois fan whenever they played.
Motivated to help others and in memory of his wife Marilyn, Leonard endowed The Roth Family scholarship at Illinois State University in the Department of Education which assists aspiring teachers to reach their higher education goals.
The family would like to thank his entire care team including the staff of Fairview Haven and OSF Hospice care for their care and support. Leonard will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
