Irene Roth Obituary

A Funeral Service for Irene Roth, 100 of Bismarck formerly of Hebron will be held at 11:00 am, CT., Monday, January 13, 2025 at St. John Church in Hebron. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery.

Visitation for Irene will be held an hour prior to the service at the church.

Irene passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Sanford Health in Bismarck

Irene Elizabeth was born on July 31, 1924, on her family's farm, five miles from Hebron, to Valentine and Anne (Metzger) Hoerauf. She attended school while helping on the farm. Unfortunately, her father, Valentine, passed away when Irene was just 11 years old, and her mother later remarried Gust Kraenzel. At a young age, Irene assisted during the threshing season by driving a wagon pulled by a team of horses. She also supported her mother in the kitchen by preparing meals and coffee for the farmhands.

Irene met Henry Roth while he was working on the farm, and the couple married on December 10, 1942, in Wibaux, MT. The couple was blessed with their son Duane. Due to Henry's military service in the Army, the family moved frequently across the United States and even to Germany. Despite these relocations, they always returned to Hebron. After Henry was honorably discharged, the family settled back in Hebron, where Irene began working at Brick City Drug in 1962, earning the nickname "the drugstore lady." Her fluency in German greatly benefited her in serving customers. Irene retired from the drugstore in 1997 after 35 years of dedicated service.

Throughout her life, Irene was active in several organizations, including the Merry Maids Homemakers Club, the St. John Choir and Women's Guild, the Hebron Senior Center, and the Hebron Business Club. She loved baking and often made loaves of bread to share with her community, earning her another nickname: "the bread lady."

In 2014, Irene moved to Bismarck to live with her son Duane. The two spent hours playing pinochle with friends, putting together puzzles, and just enjoying their time together. Irene was a strong lady, but she was blessed to have a loving son who took care of her, making it possible for her to stay at home.

Irene is survived by her son, Duane, of Bismarck; her sister, Jeannette Kessler, of Glen Ullin; and nieces, nephews, and friends who are like family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry; her parents, Valentine and Anne; her brother, Wilbert (Mabel Jesperson) Hoerauf; and her brother-in-law, Calvin Kessler.

Family suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice.