Steven William Roth

Steven William Roth, 55 of Oronoco, passed away unexpectedly due to complications from surgery. Steven was born February 1, 1961 in St. Paul, MN to Harriette and William Roth. Steve graduated from Lourdes High School in 1979 and went on to earn degrees in electrical engineering from North Dakota State University and computer science from Winona State University. Steve started his career at IBM in Santa Clara, CA in 1991 as a computer engineer. While in California, he started his law degree at Santa Clara University, graduating with his law degree in 1992. He then moved back to Rochester and continued to work for IBM as a patent attorney and more recently in the Patent Sales and Licensing area. Steve married his soulmate, Carol, on May 9, 1987 in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. They lived in San Jose for 5 years and returned to Rochester in 1991. Steve and Carol have 3 boys, Matthew, Nathan and Nicholas. Steve coached all three of his boys through youth hockey, helping to teach his sons how to play the game they loved, including building a home ice rink complete with zamboni. He was extremely proud of his sons, pushing them to be their best in everything they do and to always do the right thing in every relationship they encounter. Steve was passionate about his job, enjoyed his coworkers and the technical challenges and negotiations that came with it. He loved to be outdoors and enjoyed improving his house and dock area on Lake Zumbro. He always preferred to do things himself including landscaping (rock, not mulch), building retaining walls, splitting firewood, and learning to fix small engines. Steve was also a professional Craigslist buyer, always looking for a good deal and sending his sons on missions to pick up the next tool, trailer, or toy. Steve enjoyed playing golf and constantly strove to improve his game. Steve loved his 2 yellow labs, Bauer and Kopy, they gave him unconditional love, humor and companionship as we grieved the loss of our oldest son. Steve was a very smart, articulate, and caring person. He loved his wife and sons with his whole heart and soul and we are grateful for what he gave us and taught us. We will miss him every moment of every day and take comfort in knowing he is with our beloved son and brother Matthew, looking down on us and wrapping us in his arms. Steve is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Nathan and Nicholas. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Matthew. Other survivors include his parents, Harriette and Bill Roth of Rochester, MN; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elaine and Robert Weisensel of Sun Prairie, WI; step-sister, Mary Beth Conway; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends. He was also preceded in death by his step-brother, Michael Wooden. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Ave. NW, Rochester , MN with Father Thomas Loomis as celebrant. Visitation will be held 2:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Ranfranz and VIne Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oronoco Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of St. Francis/CASFA, St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1114 Third Street SE. Rochester, MN 55904 (College Annex San Francisco de Ass (CASFA) is a non-profit educational community guided by Franciscan Spirituality based in Bogota, Colombia). To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com