John David Roth

John David Roth, 91, died Wednesday, April 6 in LeClaire, Iowa.

John was born in Muscatine, Iowa, the sixth of seven children, to Bertha and Joseph Roth. As a youth, he built a full size motorcycle he rode to school. A lifelong Boy Scout, he always said his best two weeks were at Philmont Ranch in New Mexico.

As an ISU Freshman Mixer Guide, John met the lovely Celeste, whom he married upon graduating in engineering.

They welcomed four children in less than four years. John was proud to have worked for 40 years at the Trane Company in Davenport with Bob Blackburn, winning national awards for sales achievements. His busy family enjoyed many trips and vacations. Summers meant weeks at the Roth riverfront cottage near Muscatine, and Christmases were always spent with Celeste's family in Mason City.
Fascinated by the Mississippi, he never lived more than a few miles from it. John worked with brother-in-law, architect Thomas Obermeyer, creating his stunning riverview house near LeClaire. He volunteered at Buffalo Bill Museum, and designed the award-winning HVAC for the Lone Star Steamer enclosure .

In the 70's, John bought into a Canadian Boundary Water island, where his family spent memorable summers fishing and admiring his inventive ability to make things better than he found them.

A faithful Catholic, he enjoyed his 23 year retirement attending daily Mass at Our Lady of the River in LeClaire, admiring sunrises, birdwatching, supporting local music, talking cars, world traveling, improving everything, and hosting the annual 30 person, Three Day Family Christmas Extravaganza. He was proud of the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

He will be missed by all, especially by his wife Celeste, children Bob (Janet), LaCrosse, WI; Tom (Lori), Prescott, AZ; Jean (Joe Marinelli), Burbank, CA; Grandchildren Marie, Joe and Leah Roth, Chicago, IL; Vincent and David Marinelli, Los Angeles, CA: and one Great Granddaughter RaeLynn Roth, Chicago, IL. His Heavenly Welcoming Committee includes daughter Julie, his parents, siblings Geraldine Asthalter, Joe Jr., Paul Roth, Marian VanLent, Robert Roth and Katherine Paetz. Also in-laws Julie Beckman and Thomas Obermeyer, and his lifelong friend Neil Fitzmorris.

His motto: Do Good, Be Good.

Celebration of Life will be Sunday, June 5 at Red Roof Stables, 28439 Great River Rd, Princeton, IA from 2-5 p.m. Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6 at Our Lady of the River Catholic Church, 28200 226th Street, LeClaire, Iowa.

Charitable Donations may be made to The Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire, Iowa or The Catfish Jazz Society in Davenport, Iowa.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.