Thomas Roth

Tom Roth, 90, of Livingston, currently residing in Manhattan, passed on Friday, August 12, 2022, with the love of his life, Marilyn at his side.

A memorial funeral service in honor of Tom will be held on Saturday, August, 20th, at 11:00 A.M. at the Franzen-Davis Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service at the Livingston Elks Lodge.

Thomas Henry Roth was born in Carroll, Iowa on February 23, 1932. He was the oldest son of 5 children born to Henry Roth and Magadelene Schulte: Alice, Tom, Phyllis, Bill, and Judy. Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force in April of 1951 as part of the 301st Air Refueling Squadron at the Lowry Base in Colorado. He received honorable discharge as Airman 1st Class in 1955.  After the service, he met his Minnesota Queen, Marilyn Somdahl, in Great Falls, MT.  They were married the following year on October 31, 1959. Tom and Marilyn were blessed with two beautiful girls, Jennifer and Hillary.

Throughout his life, Tom was an entrepreneur with no boundaries. Endeavors stretched from Hi-Grade Pawn with eldest daughter, Jennifer,  to insurance at United Agencies with his dear friends Walter Peterson, Walt Dewing, and Jim Burke. Later he took another successful leap, reviving Rosedale Gardens with his youngest daughter, Hillary.  As lessons were learned, he passed down his knowledge and business savvy to leave a lasting legacy for his family.

When not working, which as you know was very rare, you could find Tom on the ski slopes, teaching at Showdown or racing his wife and daughters through the powder. The fishing boat was always calling his name.  No matter what was on the end of the line, he’d be there.  Just like any other Montana man, he knew when the fishing wasn’t good, it must be hunting season. Tom had a love for bird hunting, welcoming many Labrador Retrievers into his home over the years: Lock, Lad, Lady, and lastly Duke.

Tom could never be slowed down. He continued supporting his family’s events down to the last few days, whether a softball game or car show, Tom was there. His presence brought so many people together; no matter what your background or story was, he gave you a chance and ended up leaving you better than he found you. Tom is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughters Jennifer (Daniel Jolliff) of Belgrade, Hillary (Bill Taylor) of Livingston, and granddaughters, Sophie and Marissa Taylor of Livingston. Heartfelt gratitude to dear friends, including Meghan and Jordan Viegut of Livingston, and Matt and Dawn Drahos of Livingston.

Be free of all worldly burdens, Tom. God is waiting for you in heaven, with many dear friends, family members, big fish, and good dogs!

Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.