Irene Ellen Roth

In Loving Memory of Irene Ellen Roth

Irene Ellen Roth, born April 11, 1937, peacefully departed this earth on February 12, 2026, at the age of 88.

Irene was the daughter of Cora and John Weseman. She spent her early childhood in west-central Minnesota before her family settled in Glenwood, Minnesota. She graduated from Glenwood High School in 1955 and soon after became a Licensed Practical Nurse, working at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria from 1956 to 1963.

It was during her years as a nurse that Irene met the love of her life, Harlan Roth. They were married on April 5, 1958, and began their life together on the family farm purchased from Harlan’s parents, Arthur and Bertha Roth. Irene embraced farm life wholeheartedly. She worked alongside Harlan, feeding cows while he milked, and helping build the life they would share for nearly seven decades.

In 1963, Irene stepped away from nursing to focus on growing their family. Over the next four years, Irene and Harlan adopted three children—Todd, Debbie, and Brent—who became the center of her world. She continued to work tirelessly on the farm while creating a loving, laughter-filled home.

Irene was a woman of many talents. She and Harlan enjoyed bowling together and participated in several leagues at Garden Center Lanes. She was famous for her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls, which were made with love and shared generously.

Her creative spirit found a special outlet in ceramics. Irene became a ceramics teacher and founded Lakeview Ceramics, holding classes in the basement of the family home from 1971 to 1984. On class nights, up to a dozen students would gather downstairs, their chatter and laughter rising through the floorboards to Harlan and the kids upstairs. Those evenings were filled with joy and creativity, and Irene took great pride in teaching and encouraging so many students over the years.

Faith was an important part of Irene’s life. She and Harlan faithfully attended Zion Lutheran Church, usually seated in the balcony with their children beside them. Irene always sat close enough to gently nudge Harlan when he closed his eyes during the dimmed lights of the sermon. In 1996, they became members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

Irene and Harlan truly lived life to the fullest. The Roth household was filled with laughter, warmth, and unwavering love. After 67 years of marriage, one thing remains certain—they loved each other deeply and faithfully to the very end.

Irene is lovingly survived by her husband, Harlan Roth; her children: Todd (Patty) Roth, Deb (Ryan) Vogt, and Brent (Tracy) Roth; her grandchildren: Alec (Nic) Roth, Andrew (Kitana) Roth, Aaron (Aimee) Vogt, Matthew (Hailey) Vogt, Jessica (Sam) Vogt, Hannah Roth, and Jack Roth; and her great-grandchildren: Aubree Roth and Jeremey James “JJ” Gonzalez; Eleanor Vogt and Harvey Vogt.

She is also survived by her siblings: Raymond (Joan) Weseman, Janet Bergstrom, and Dennis (Iva) Weseman. She was preceded in death by her brother, Simon Weseman.

A private funeral service will be held for immediate family will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. A memorial graveside service will be held this summer at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life.

Irene’s legacy of love, laughter, faith, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.