Douglas F. Roth, 75, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024, at Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn.
Doug was born on August 13th, 1948, in West Allis, WI, the son of Walter and Ann Roth. Doug graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Army shortly thereafter, becoming a paratrooper in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade (nicknamed Sky Soldiers). Doug was wounded in the “Battle of The Slopes”, in Dak-To Proper located on the west edge of the Dak Klong River Valley in Vietnam, on July 21, 1967, defending Hill 1338 and enduring enemy fire. He suffered severe damage to his right eye and permanently lost sight in that eye. He also suffered from many other shrapnel induced wounds on his face, arm, and upper body. Doug received a Bronze Star with a “V’ device for Valor and Purple Heart for his bravery and service to our country.
On Jan. 25th, 1969, Doug married Renee Dionn, his wife of 53 years. He and Renee had two daughters, Joyann and Sarah. Doug, Renee, Joyann, and Sarah lived in West Allis until 1981 when the family moved to Waterford. Doug and Renee’s daughters graduated from Waterford Union High School.
After recovering from his injuries in Vietnam, Doug attended college courses at UW-Waukesha for a few years, which aided him in gainful employment at MA Bell Telephone Company, eventually working his way up to an engineer position. Doug held many titles and wore many hats during his 75 years on this earth. He was a pizza deliveryman, worked at a beer depot, worked the line at McDonalds, was a heavy machine operator at Babcock and Wilcox, and for many years was an engineer for various telephone companies. He returned to school to study to be an ordained minister and on Aug. 3, 2011, Doug received his ordination into the Church of the Nazarene. He was the Associate Pastor at the Church of the Nazarene in Burlington, serving the Lord and his church for many years until his retirement. He authored the monthly Nazarene Newsletter which were also not only available to the members of his church, but he also emailed this newsletter out to hundreds of people in order to reach as many people as possible to bring them to know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Doug enjoyed ministering to incarcerated men in the Milwaukee County Jail, and for years he dedicated time witnessing to these men on a monthly basis and led many of these men to the Lord. He served as a Chaplin at Burlington Hospital and filled in to minister at several local churches when needed.
Doug was a mentor to many and pillar of his community and church congregation. He played trumpet and guitar and led Sunday church worship for many years. Doug’s faith in God was unwavering. He led many people to the Lord and wanted everyone to know God and believe in Him. He loved and accepted everyone and was someone you could count on no matter what he had going on in his life.
Doug loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Doug is survived by his daughter, Joyann (David) Calmes, granddaughter Kathleen (Timm) Byrne, grandson Keegan (Kelsey) Calmes, granddaughter Ariana Roth-Aguilar, great granddaughter Riley Sievers, great grandsons Jax and Kash Bryne, nephew Eric (Heather) Dulay, niece Rhonda (Dave) Clark, in addition to many other aunts, cousins, and his favorite furry pal, his dog “Little Guy”.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ann Roth, sister Pamela Roberts, wife Renee (Dionn) Roth, and daughter Sarah Eve Roth.
A celebration of Doug’s life will take place on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024 at Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. An open house visitation will be held from 1 to 2:20 p.m. concluding with a 2:30 p.m. memorial service and dinner afterwards.
A burial service will take place on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Southern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Church of the Nazarene Burlington, WI or any organization honoring Vietnam Veterans in memory of Douglas F. Roth would be appreciated
Services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Services. Well-wishers may visit www.integrityfunerals.net.
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