David J. Roth, Class of 1963

David John Roth, 83, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, at DePaul Hospital as a result of a severe stroke.

He was born on November 6, 1940, in St. Louis, MO, the son of George John and Katherine (Goebel) Roth.  On January 25, 1964, David married Mabel Dorthea Weiss in Freeburg, IL at St. Paul's UCC and they celebrated 60 years of marriage together this year.

Dave was a graduate of New Athens High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Millikin University.  He served his country in the United States Air Force.  In 1971 he started and developed the Hit-N-Run stores, many self-service car washes, and laundromats in the Riverbend area.  After selling the stores in the late 1980's, Dave was still never considered retired.  He continued his passion of working by developing subdivisions and commercial real estate projects, such as the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Fairview Heights.  His business connections never stopped.  Even though he was invested in the Grafton Winery and Vineyards, he could often have been mistaken for the groundskeeper, pulling weeds, mulching, and watering flowers, just another example of his incredible work ethic.  

He prided himself on being a successful entrepreneur, but his greatest pride was his family.  Dave was often heard saying he formed his strongest partnership in 1964 when he married the love of his life, Mabel.  He was deliberate in spending quality time with his kids and grandkids, and they cherish those fond memories. Dave was a faithful Christian man who was a member of Faith Fellowship Church.  He had a big and loving heart and was generous, contributing to many charities and his community.

 

He is survived by his loving wife, Mabel Roth of Grafton, IL; his children and their spouses, John (DeeDee) Roth of Dow, IL and Sara (Scott) Hanebutt of Godfrey, IL; a brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Linda Roth of Mesa, Arizona; and seven grandchildren, Alex (Abby) Roth, Libby Roth, Adam Hanebutt, Nicholas Hanebutt, Dylan Roth, Carter Hanebutt, and Ellie Hanebutt.

 

For the complete obituary, visit
https://www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com/obituaries/David-J-Roth?obId=32111330