Willis James Roth

Willis James Roth, 93, of Grand Island, NE went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 19, 2024. Funeral Services will be at 11 A.M. on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Wood River Mennonite Church with Pastor David Roth officiating. A private family burial will be taking place at the Wood River Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-7 P.M at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com. 

He was born on September 6, 1930, at Tofield, Alberta, Canada to Melvin and Hilda (Hershberger) Roth. He was the oldest of five children. By the time Willis was three years old he had the 23rd Psalm memorized. He loved the Lord and served faithfully.

Willis married Darlene (Roth) Roth on June 9, 1953, at Wellman, IA. Willis served as an ordained Pastor in the Mennonite Church as well as a shipping and receiving manager at Diamond Plastics for many years until retirement in 1995. 

He enjoyed genealogy, music and singing in quartets, Nebraska football, his wife’s cinnamon rolls, and especially spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Willis had a logical mind and a good memory for numbers and dates. His kind and loving demeanor made an impact on all of those who he encountered. 

Willis is survived by his wife, Darlene Roth; sons: Doug Roth of Plainfield, IL, Phil Roth of Grand Island, NE, Joe Roth of Central City, NE, and David (Connie) Roth of Kingman, KS; daughters: Janice (Gordon) Peters of Hesston, KS and Joanne (Wendell) Connell of Holdrege, NE; 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Julie Roth; parents; brothers: Ellis Roth, Curtis Roth, and Delbert Roth; and sister, Betty Krabill.