Joseph “Joe” Patrick Roth,85

Published by editor on Thu, 09/23/2021 - 4:31pm

Joseph “Joe” Patrick Roth, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2021 at his home at Lakeside Village, Panora, Iowa at the age of 85 of natural causes. He was born on September 4, 1936 in Audubon, Iowa to John & Ida (Winters) Roth. Family and friends loved his stories of growing up in this small town with his dog Chub, cars that used as much oil as gasoline, town baseball games, and town rivalries.

He graduated from Audubon High School in 1954. On July 21, 1956, he married Mary Lou Redfern at her parents home in Guthrie Center, Iowa. His love of storytelling, sports, and photography led him to his first newspaper job at the Audubon newspaper and a lifelong career. Joe was well known within the newspaper business throughout Iowa during his 45-year career. He worked in various capacities as a reporter, editor, and business manager for newspapers in Audubon, Ames, Charles City, Clear Lake, and Hampton before becoming the CEO of the Mid America Publishing media company (Des Moines) from his office at Hampton Publishing. The Iowa Newspaper Association presented him with its Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to the Iowa newspaper industry in 1995. He also served in the Iowa National Guard in the 1960's, was active in Rotary Club, and served on many boards and other civic organizations throughout the years.

Joe retired in 2001 and he and his long-time love and wife of 65 years, Mary Lou Roth (Redfern) chose to live full time at Lake Panorama, where they’d had a second home since the mid 80's. Joe being from Audubon and Mary Lou from Guthrie Center meant they were surrounded by many family members. They loved hosting, playing cards, and enjoying lake life. Joe was also able to spend more time pursuing his passions; golfing, hunting, reading, and rooting for and attending ISU Cyclones games.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; son, Chuck (Diane) Roth; daughter, Becky (Scott) Rolfes; son-in-law, Kevin Jacobs; seven grandsons and nine great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Teresa Jacobs and his 10 older siblings (he was the youngest of 11).

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life service will be held sometime in mid October. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with his services.