Edward Stephen Roth

   Stephen Roth of Newton, IA, passed away on July 12, 2026, at the age of 80. He was the only son, and youngest of three wonderful sisters born to Edward LeRoy Roth of Stitzer, WI and Marion May Roth (Drescher) of Fennimore, WI.

   Stephen graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Platteville State College in 1968. He began his career at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant in Baraboo, WI, where he purchased timberland near Mt. Ida that became a lifelong passion. For over 60 years, he planted more than 50,000 walnut trees and meticulously tended to the woodland.

   In 1976, Stephen moved to Newton, IA, as a Process Engineer with The Maytag Company. There, in 1978, he met the love of his life, LaVon Ann Johnson of Monroe, IA. They were married in the fall of 1979 at the Monroe Methodist Church and built a loving home filled with four children: Edward Matthew, Rachel Ann, Gretchen Marie, and Rebecca Alexandra. Steve and LaVon loved supporting the children’s activities: soccer, baseball, softball, cross country, tennis, dance, gymnastics, piano, and theater.

   In 1985, Stephen purchased a farm near Mitchellville, IA. There he enjoyed tending to the farm as he did when he was a boy, ensuring he was never removed from farm related activities through his entire life.

   When Maytag closed the Newton operations, Stephen took a new role with Jones Lang LaSalle at the Whirlpool Benton Harbor Campus in Michigan. He oversaw the safety program for the campus including multimillion-dollar construction projects and roofing projects—a challenge given the heavy rain and snow of the area.  He and LaVon embraced this new chapter of their life in Michigan, forming lasting friendships in Michigan’s “Garden Spot.”

   In 2015, Stephen retired and returned to Newton. In retirement he volunteered at the Jasper County Museum where he served as a board member, while continuing to find joy through time with family: watching his older grandchildren in sports and helping Matt with home projects, visiting Rebecca and grandson in Colorado’s mountains, world travel with Rachel, and trips to Wisconsin to see Gretchen, his sister, and to tend to his beloved woods. He also enjoyed woodworking, traveling, and reading.

   Those left to honor Stephen’s memory include his wife, LaVon Roth of Newton; his children: Edward Matthew (Amy) Roth of Grimes, IA Rachel Roth of Des Moines, IA, Gretchen (Heskeith Flavien) Roth of Milwaukee, WI, and Rebecca (Fabyan) Roth Diaz of Parker CO; his grandchildren, Evelyn Roth, Edward Roth, Theodore Diaz, and Margo Flavien; and his extended family.  Those preceding him in death include his parents and his sisters, Joan Dorgan and Janet (Paul) Lake.

   Stephen’s life was defined by hard work, deep love for his family, a passion for the land, and quiet dedication to those around him.  He will be deeply missed by LaVon, his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

   A funeral service for Stephen will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 17, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Newton.  The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Memorials to First Christian Church or the Jasper County Museum can be left at the funeral home or at the church on the day of the service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward Stephen Roth, please visit our floral store.