Norm Roth

Norman D. “Norm” Roth, 91, of East Peoria, passed away at 3:32 pm Thursday, December 10, 2020 at his home on the farm.

He was born October 12, 1929 in Milford, Nebraska to Elmer and Esther Martin Roth. He married Maxine Huette on February 11, 1951 and she passed away on December 15, 2006.

Surviving are one son, Jim (Theresa) Roth of Morton and one daughter, Rebecca Roth of East Peoria; four grandchildren, Ashley (Nate) Himes of Urbana, Ryan (Jessica) Kelson of Morton, Patrick (Bianca) Roth of Morton and Joseph Roth of Normal; six great grandchildren, Chloe, Owen, Mila and Cameron Kelson, Jack and Keegan Himes; one brother, Gene Roth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Darlene Roth, and one sister in law Catherine Huette.

Norm’s family moved from Nebraska to Tremont in 1939 where he attended Pekin High School Class of 1947. In 1955 Norm and Maxine moved from Morton to the farm in East Peoria where he farmed and conducted auctions. He loved being an auctioneer. In 1961 he graduated from Reisch Auction School in Mason City, Iowa. He then started an auction service that continues on today. He was involved for over 50 years before retiring

He was a member and past president and Hall of Fame member of the Illinois State Auctioneers Association, a member of the National Auction Association and a graduate of Certified Auctioneers Institute in 1978, a member of the First Mennonite Church in Morton and a past member of the Morton and Pekin Riding Club He managed the auction at the Illinois Mennonite Reliefs Sale for many years. He was also involved with many organizations doing charity fund raising auctions. His favorite summer vacation over several decades was fishing with friends and family at Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota. He loved to talk, preach, and teach people and conduct auctions.

“I always liked to talk and this will be the last time I can get my 2 cents worth in. If something is bothering you or not right between you and your maker, friend or family now is the time to make it right today, for tomorrow may be to late. Because death may come in the blink of an eye. I’ve been there may God bless you greatly. I’m not going to say good bye, just so long for now, because some day I want you to join me on that other shore” -Norm.

Cremation has been accorded. A family and friends service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Tremont. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Mennonite Church in Morton, Peoria Rescue Ministries or St Jude Midwest Affiliate.

The family would like to thank the Unity Point Hospice for their care and compassion.

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