It is with a sad note that I report to you the passing of Eugene (Gene) Roth. Gene passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 6:00 PM. He was on hospice care for just two days. Viewing and family time will be on Monday, July 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Butherus Maser & Love Mortuary, located at 40th & A Street. The funeral service will be held at North American Martyrs church on Tuesday, July 14th at 11:00 AM, located at 1101 Isaac Drive. Eugene Verlin Roth was born the oldest of four children to Samuel and Clara Roth on a farm in Castleton, North Dakota on March 23, 1933. The young family settled in Wisner, Nebraska where they established the family farm.
While attending Wisner High School, he convinced his father that he could handle both the farm chores and athletics. He became a Football & Track standout before graduating in 1950. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army.
He served two years in Army Personnel Headquarters at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Washington. After his service in the Army, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he graduated while selling silverware and Fuller brushes. During that time he met the love of his life and best friend, Barbara Jean Roth.
In 1960, Gene began his 35 years of service with the Postal Finance Company where he served as area manager for the company until his retirement. Eugene missed the social interaction with people and so with his wife, decided to work part time promoting the First Nebraska Credit Union.
Gene and Barb were married for over 60 years. They settled in Lincoln where they were blessed with 5 children: Tom, Todd, Troy, Terry & Gina. They have 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Memorials to the Gene Roth Family.
His son, Tom, wanted to share this story with all of us at Lincoln East Rotary Club. In 1948 Gene Roth beat polio, he did not have to be in an iron lung, but his roommate was in one. After this, his grip strength was not up to par, but he exercised continually and was a very wiry and strong man. About five months ago he started having some hypertension because of the polio. This developed into a neurological autoimmune disease. This is called Post-Polio Syndrome, and the polio attacks the body system, in Gene's case, his legs were strong, but in standing up he lost balance, he had strength to stand, but his brain could not connect to the legs, so he would fall. Other problems would have soon developed, due to the polio, but this is what occurred.
Gene was very involved in Rotary activities and attended meetings regularly. His pleasant personality and sense of humor were appreciated by all members. Gene’s son, Todd, and daughter-in-law, Shelly, report that Gene and Barbara enjoyed serving together at the Sum Fun Picnic at Antelope Park every year. Last year, Gene shared with the club that he had polio as a kid. Now we know why we are doing what we do to eradicate polio, because then someone, like Gene, can have a full life.