Ronald Alvin Roth

Ronald Alvin Roth passed away surrounded by family on Friday, May 15th, 2026, at the Galeon Senior Living at the age of 79. A Celebration of Life open house will be held from 4:00 - 6:30 PM, Friday, June 5th, 2026, with words of remembrance starting the celebration at 4:00 PM at Roy-Hetland Funeral Home.

Ronald Alvin Roth was born on May 17, 1946, in Hampton, Iowa, Ronald—known as Ron—was the son of Carl and Bernadine (LaRue) Roth. Raised in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Ron’s early years were shaped by his love of farming and a strong connection to rural life. From a young age, he was immersed in the rhythms of farm life—milking cows, raising pigeons, and nurturing a passion for trumpet playing in his school band. Though his childhood was challenged by a thirteen-week hospitalization due to polio and two serious car accidents during his school years, Ron’s perseverance remained steadfast. With unwavering support from his mother, he undertook intensive therapy and managed to graduate high school in 1964 alongside his peers.

Following graduation, Ron pursued studies in artificial insemination (AI) in the Twin Cities, equipping himself with specialized knowledge that would serve his agricultural career. He returned to farming in Albert Lea, honing his skills and expertise before meeting Sheila, the woman who would become his lifelong partner. Their first encounter held a special place in Ron’s heart as his very first date. After some years apart, fate reunited them at a wedding, leading to their marriage in 1972 at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.

Following their wedding, Ron and Sheila settled in Eagle Bend, Minnesota, where Ron dedicated 31 years to dairy farming before transitioning to raise beef cows from 2003 until his retirement in 2017. His life as a farmer reflected not only hard work but a deep commitment to the land and his animals. Throughout these years, Ron's home was filled with the sounds of family, the joys of 4-H activities, and the bustle of raising six children: Carla, Jacqueline, Rhonda, Carl, Thomas, and Kathryn. Ron was a loving and involved father who balanced stern guidance with affection, particularly supporting his children’s endeavors in 4-H.

Beyond his professional life, Ron cherished hobbies that brought him joy and connection with his community. He was an avid bowler and a passionate racing pigeon enthusiast, once proudly owning the fastest pigeon in the state. His children fondly remember him as an avid reader and speed reader, often found with a book in hand.

In retirement, Ron embraced time pigeon racing and deepened his engagement with his longtime hobbies. He treasured moments spent with his grandchildren, for whom he had a particularly soft spot. Known for his hardworking nature, good humor, and love of building things, Ron was also a playful competitor in card games. He shared countless evenings with Sheila playing International Rummy, where Sheila typically emerged the victor—though Ron would always jest that “sometimes she lets me win” or “watch out for her, she’s cheating”.

Ronald Alvin Roth, a hardworking farmer, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, just two days shy of his 80th birthday. He will be remembered as a steadfast and hardworking individual whose life was defined by resilience and dedication to his family.

The family of Ron would like to extend a special thank you to Galeon for the wonderful care they provided to Ron from his time residing at the assisted living to his final days at the nursing home.

Ron’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Sheila, their six children, Carla Randall of Garfield, MN; Jacqueline (Curt) Jahnke of Alexandria, MN; Rhonda (Bryan) Hinnenkamp of Eagle Bend, MN; Carl (Heather) Roth of Eagle Bend, MN; Thomas Roth of Phoenix, AZ; and Kathyrn (Mark) Voigt of Mandan, ND; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, and brothers, Jerald (Arlene) Roth of Redwing, MN, and Arnold (Nancy) Roth of Ledyard, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia Roth, and brother, Donald Roth.