John Roth, 91

John Roth, 91, died May 3, 2020, at LaCrosse Health and Rehabilitation in Coeur d’Alene.

John was born on the family farm on Aug. 25, 1928, to Valentine and Katherine (Goetz) Roth. He married Lillian M. Hammrich, Sept. 30, 1952, in Ipswich, S.D. Lillian passed away on May 17, 2019. They were together for 67 years.

John spent his whole life in the mining business. He worked at the Homestake Gold Mine, in Lead, S.D., for 14 years, later moving to Coeur d’Alene to work for 17 years at the Bunker Hill Mine in Kellogg, until it shut down. He then worked as a security guard for several years before fully retiring.

John was a self-taught musician. He could play the electric organ, piano, guitar, harmonica and accordion. As a young man, he once bought an accordion from Lawrence Welk’s father during hard times. Years later when Lawrence became famous, John tried to give it back to Lawrence, but he was reluctant because John had no proof that it had actually belonged to his dad.

He loved to listen to his polka music. He had many recorded tapes and kept them chair-side, next to his cassette player.

John also enjoyed gardening. Together with Lillian, they planted a large garden every year, canning and giving away the fruits of their labor.

John is preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings, Magdalena, George, Julia and Kasper. He is survived by one sister-in-law, Tillie Roth, of Lead, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com