Edgar N. Roth, 93, of Perryville, passed away on Jan. 7, 2022.
Edgar was born on Oct. 13, 1928, to Leo and Linna (Mueller) Roth at Wittenberg. He was baptized on Oct. 20, 1928 by Rev. R.J. Deye and confirmed on March 29, 1942. He married Betty Verseman on July 26, 1952, in Farrar. They were married for 68 years. Betty preceded him in death in May of 2020. Edgar is survived by his children Lynette (Robert) Biesendorfer of Marthasville, Jane Roth of St. Louis, Royal Roth of Mobile, Ala., and Randall Roth of St. Louis; two grandchildren, Julee and Tim Biesendorfer; and one great-grandchild, Ethan Biesendorfer of Seattle, Wash.
Edgar attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Wittenberg where he loved to play baseball. He later attended and graduated from Concordia High School in River Forest, Ill. He then received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1952 from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest. During college he ran track, specializing in the hurdles and high jump. Edgar earned his Master of Arts Degree from Concordia in 1963. For forty years Edgar served as principal, teacher, music director, and coach in Lutheran Schools. He also played organ for many church services during this time. He served three churches during his teaching career: St. Peter’s Lutheran in Holyrood, Kan., St. Paul’s Lutheran in Woodworth, Ill., and St. Mark’s Lutheran in Steeleville, IL.
After retiring to Perryville in 1992, Edgar and Betty enjoyed traveling all over the United States. Edgar substitute taught in area schools for many years as well as served as a substitute organist in various Lutheran churches. But his main hobby was his garden. Edgar was an avid gardener and known for his beautiful flowers. He also loved to play pinochle.
