Leroy “Roy” M. Roseth was born August 11, 1916, in Moenville, the third child of Julius and Mary (Olson) Roseth. He grew up in that area where he attended rural school. Upon completion of his schooling, he began his life on the family ranch.
Roy enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He served four years in the Pacific Theater on the destroyer USS Dale. Roy returned home on furlough to marry his childhood sweetheart, Clara Fosheim on September 18, 1944. After completing his service, Roy and Clara made their home on the ranch in Moenville for the next 62 years. In September 2006, they moved into the Silverleaf Assisted Living Center in Philip.
Roy’s wife Clara preceded him in death on January 10, 2007. Roy continued to reside in Philip.
Roy was a lifetime member of the Deep Creek Lutheran Church, the Elks, and the American Legion Post #143 of Midland. He also served as a Haakon County Commissioner for 12 years, held various positions on the Deep Creek Lutheran Church Board of Directors, and a member of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.
Roy dedicated his life to the ranch, and was very proud of the trees that he had planted and nurtured there. He lived a full life, still riding horse at the age of 83.
Survivors include two daughters Carmen Alleman and her husband Clark of Hayes, and Sophie Foley and her husband Pat of Midland; two sons Duane Roseth and his wife Lola of Midland, and Julian Roseth and his wife Coreen of Midland; 11 grandchildren Kayce (John) Gerlach, Thor (Jackie) Roseth, Rhett Roseth, Kristin (Vance) Martin, Adam (Jodi) Roseth, Nicholas Roseth, Clint (Laura) Alleman, Kelly (Anthony) Nelson, Renee Schofield, and Todd (Barb) Larson, and Jim Larson; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister Marie Anderson of Midland; a sister-in-law Ida Hunt of Midland; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife Clara J. Roseth, Roy was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Paul (Charlotte) Roseth and Clarence (Marjorie) Roseth; and a son-in-law Charlie Larson.
Visitation was held 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Wednesday. Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. CST Wednesday, November 21, at the Deep Creek Lutheran Church north of Midland, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.
Interment was at the Deep Creek Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - 10:00 a.m. CST
Deep Creek Lutheran Church
Rural Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Frezil Westerlund
MUSIC
Frank & Shirley Halligan
“Stroll Over Heaven”
“Help Me”
USHERS
Billy Markwed - Dick Hudson
PALLBEARERS
Thor Roseth - Rhett Roseth
Adam Roseth - Nicholas Roseth
Clint Alleman - Todd Larson - Jim Larson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Kayce Gerlach - Kristin Martin
Kelly Nelson - Renee Schofield
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Deep Creek Cemetery
Rural Midland, South Dakota
Guest Book
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
~ Ron Hunt
1761 7th Street,Riverside 92507 (11/18/2012)
Wow, 96 full years! When Kristin called this morning, I was saddened to hear of Roy's passing- knowing how hard it is to lose a loved one, but thinking how lucky Heaven will be to gain Roy. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Love, Mike & Shar
~ Mike & Shar Moses
Philip (11/18/2012)
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Miss and love you Grandpa Roy.
Kelly, Anthony, and Morgan
~ Kelly, Anthony, and Morgan
Pierre, SD (11/18/2012)
I'm so sorry to hear of Roy's death, although I know it's been a hard road for awhile. I will miss his smile, and his caring heart, we shared the loss of our special spouses. I am with my families in Eastern SD so I am deeply saddened not to be with you to celebrate his well-lived life. With love and prayers and sweet memories. Mary Kay..Larry greeted him in heaven I'm sure.
~ Mary Kay Sandal
Plainview, SD (11/18/2012)
To all of Roy's family, We are sorry for your loss. It is always hard to lose someone we love so much. I'm bet Roy was happy to be going home and was greeted by Clara and all the saints in heaven with great joy. May you find comfort in your faith.
~ Barbara and Morris Jones
Midland (11/18/2012)
We are sorry for your loss. I got to know Roy while working in the dining room at the nursing home. What a GREAT guy. He was so kind and caring and loved to tease. He liked to see the kids when I'd take them in and just wanted to hug and squeeze them.
Although you are sad now and the grief is there....know that he is smiling at you having a root beer and enjoying riding in the big pastures in heaven!
Thinking of you
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie & Lukas
~ Michelle
Philip (11/18/2012)
We are very sorry to read of Roy's passing, but happy to have known such a kind hearted cowboy! Our families are richer for having such wonderful role models to live alongside us on the journey. Bless all of you during the coming days and weeks.
~ Vonda and Jason Hamill
Milesville (11/18/2012)
I am sorry to hear about Roy. I have heard Kelly talk about Grandpa for years now and know how he was treasured by his family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
~ Janet Penticoff
Pierre (11/18/2012)
I am sorry to learn of Roy's passing. I've enjoyed many good visits with him (and Clara) over the years. He was one of the best! Rest in peace, Roy.
~ Pat Snook
Midland, SD (11/18/2012)
Seems like only a while since we lived neighbors to Clara & Roy, but of course many years have passed. Roy & Clara were wonderful to us as a young family at Deep Creek. 4-H and Deep Creek Church were some of the times we would see each other. Roy will be missed by family and friends. He lived a great life, and has left a wonderful family to relive many many memories. May the Good Lord keep you under his care in the many days and weeks ahead.
~ George & Shirley Dennis
Philip, SD (11/18/2012)
Justin and I always enjoyed visiting with Roy at Silver leaf. He shared some great stories with us. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
24208 Fairview Rd. Philip, SD (11/18/2012)
What a kind and gentle man....Roy so passionately served his family, his church and his community. His memories will live on in the stories you all have to tell. Our sympathies to all of you as you mourn the loss of a true prairie pioneer.
~ Nancy
Green Valley, AZ (11/18/2012)
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at the loss of Roy. He and Clara raised a wonderful family and I always looked forward to seeing them at church and community events. I know that you must have many fond memories of times together and I hope that these wonderful thoughts will sustain you through this sad time.
~ Marcia Jackson
Hot Springs, SD (11/18/2012)
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember all the nice visits we had through the years with Roy and Clara;always so kind and caring.
God's peace be with you.
~ Vaun & Katrina Hewlett
Pierre, SD (11/18/2012)
Our hearts go out to you in the loss of your Dad, Grandpa, brother, and uncle. He was always such a nice man. Although I didn't get to know him personally very well he was alwayskind andseemed to love life. Remember the good times as they always seem to help!! Jody and Gary
~ Gary and Jody Block
Midland, SD (11/18/2012)
So sorry for your loss!! Roy always seemed to be such a nice man and enjoyed life and family. Our hearts go out to you all but he now rejoicing in heavea with our Lord and Clara!! We will keep you all in our prayers!!
~ Gary and Jody Block
Midland, SD (11/18/2012)
We were so sad to hear about Roy's death, but know he wes ready . We so enjoyed seeing him at the Silverleaf and later on at the Nursing Home. He always had a smile and a strong handshake. Hold on to all the wonderful memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip, SD (11/18/2012)
We are so sorry to hear about Roy's passing, but glad for his joy in Heaven to be reunited with Clara. He was such a fine pillar of the community he lived in and was such a joy to be around. He will leave a wonderful legacy of a fine neighbor, a godly man, a strong and loving family man, and a great example to those around him. We will keep you all in our prayers.
~ Connie & Bunky Boger
13231 Hickory Creek Road, Lowell, AR 72745 (11/18/2012)
I am saddened to hear of Roy's passing. I have fond memories of the time I spent with him and Clara both. When I think of him chasing my sister and I around the house to give us one of his whisker rubs, it still makes me smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope you find peace when you think of the two of them together again.
~ April (Nemec) Meeker
Spearfish (11/18/2012)
I am sorry to hear of Roy's passing! I got to know him many years ago and always enjoyed him and Clara! God be with you all in the days ahead!
~ Joe Millage
Philip (11/18/2012)
I wish I could be home to give each of you a hug. Roy was a wonderful person. I loved his smile. He and Clara always made feel like a part of the family too. God bless you all. Thinking of you and hoping you are filled with lots of happy memories. I am so sure he and Clara are very happy to be together once again. Love you all. Kathy
~ Kathy Larson LaDue
Anamosa IA (11/18/2012)
May you find comfort in remembering Roy...As memories of those we love live forever in our hearts!
Roy... You'll see his reflection and hear his voice echo in the things he left behind... In the memories that will touch you when you least expect them... In the stories he shared as well as the family traits he passed down... In the love that will keep him close to your heart forever! Keeping all of you in our thoughts and close to our heart during this difficult time.
~ Bud, Joyce, Brian, & Jeff Stapert ~ Trent & Darla Pettis
1558 Ray Sowell RD, Austin, AR 72007 (11/18/2012)
Roy's family,
We were so sorry to hear of Roy's passing. He lived a long life and left a wonderful legacy in all of you. He was truly a gentleman through and through. I am quite sure that the angels and Clara met him at Heaven's gates. Keep your memories shiny and bright and he will always be with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield
Milesville, SD (11/18/2012)
I treasure so many memories of Roy and Clara, growing up on the farm "next door" to them, my dear Godparents. Their lives were a witness to me of their great love for the Lord, their family & friends, and the farm.
As a little girl, I loved visiting regularly, curling up on Roy's lap in the livingroom. He was such a big teddy bear, always teasing, and so gentle and kind. I can still see the twinkle in his eye and hear his chuckle.
He taught me a bit of Norwegian, like "Kanne du snakke norsk?" I just wish I could remember (in Norwegian!) my favorite phrase that he taught me: "Give me a kiss!"
Roy was deeply loved by so many and he is sorely missed. Carmen, Sophie, Duane, Julian, and families, please know that my family and I are praying for you now, that God would give you His comfort and peace as you rest in your faith, knowing that Roy is with His Savior, finally Home with the Lord.
We are so sorry we had to miss the funeral. We send our love to you all!
~ Debbie & Cory Burma & family
Columbus, NE (11/18/2012)
Our sympathy to you all in the loss of Roy. He was an icon for the Roseth and Sandal families, that is for sure. He and Clara always had a special spot in my heart because they were always able to come to the Sandal reunions each year and spread their smiles. God rest his soul.
~ Jo Ann Sandal Miles
200 W 1st St, Hartford, SD (11/18/2012)
It's hard watching an old cowboy ride off into the sun set but having visited him this summer you knew it was time. Our hearts are with you.
~ Dale and Dollie Ostlien and Family
618 FM 89 Abilene TX (11/18/2012)