Tony Roth, 63, Leola, S.D.

A funeral service for Tony Roth was held Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at the Hartley Funeral Home in Hartley. Dr. Lynn Dau officiated.

Pallbearers were Mike Roth, Rick Crist, Dan Hanen, Brennen Roth, Brad Leth and Will Goeshel. Interment was at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Tony Roth was born Nov. 18, 1959 in Rapid City, S.D., to Sylvia Noretta (Gunderson) Roth and Melvin Langdeaux. He was later adopted by Tim Roth and spent his youth in Hartley, where he received his education.

Tony was united in marriage to Brenda Dodds on June 25, 1983, at the Methodist church in Dickens. They purchased an acreage near Ruthven that Tony was so very proud of. There they welcomed two very special people: a son, Anthony, and a daughter, Brooke.

Eventually Tony returned to South Dakota where he met Shelee Spaar. The two were married on June 2, 2018. They had five wonderful years together before Shelee’s passing on March 31, 2023. Following her death Tony enjoyed the remainder of his life with his special friend, Missy.

Tony always lived his life with the throttle wide open. Those that truly knew him would say he had no fear and a soft heart. He loved both of his kids, loved several devoted dogs throughout his life and cherished spending time with friends, especially two of his best friends, Chuck and Will. He was considered one of the best heavy equipment operators by anyone who witnessed him work. After he retired, he enjoyed life at a much calmer pace going camping, biking and cheering on the Chicago Bears.

Tony prided himself on being his little brother Mike’s biggest protector from the day he laid eyes on him at 7 years old and declared that Mike was “his baby.”

Tony passed from this life on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at the age of 63 years. Preceding him in death were his wife, Shelee Roth; his biological father, Melvin Langdeaux; stepmother, Dorothy Roth; maternal grandparents, Mabel Gunderson and Ed Gunderson; and paternal grandparents, Eric Roth and Laura Bernier.

Tony will be remembered by his mother, Sylvia Roth, and father, Tim Roth; his children: Anthony (Tiffany) Roth, of Webb, and Brooke Roth, of Spencer; five grandchildren: Tyson, Taylor, Cohen, Brielle and BreAsya; his brothers: Marty (Roxanne) Roth and Mike Roth, of Hartley, and Jamie and Robbie Langdeaux; one sister, Amanda Langdeaux; numerous aunts and uncles; his nieces and nephew; other relatives and friends.