William Geroe Roth
February 2, 1945 – December 26, 2025
William “Bill” Roth, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, and friend, passed away on December 26, 2025. Known for his curiosity, integrity, and devotion to others, Bill lived a life of purpose and presence, touching generations through his teaching, guidance, and example.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1945, Bill was the third son of John and Caroline Roth (née Geroe). In high school, he enrolled at Culver Military Academy, where his father and brothers had also studied. Bill thrived at Culver and went on to earn degrees from Trinity College and the University of Notre Dame. He returned to Culver Academies in 1967, where he spent nearly five decades as a Master Instructor, coach, counselor, mentor, and faculty leader.
Bill is survived by his college sweetheart, Susan (née Toobin), whom he met at a fraternity party in 1965. They married in 1968 and shared more than 60 years of love, partnership, and support. Together, they raised three children—Andrew (Tiffany) of Ruckersville, Virginia; Timothy (Staci) of St. Charles, Illinois; and Melissa of Evanston, Illinois—and became loving grandparents to Carson, Parker, Ella, Claire, and Lucy. In retirement, Bill and Sue settled in Huntley, Illinois, surrounded by dear friends.
Bill truly never knew a stranger. His passion for history and the humanities shaped his belief in looking beyond the surface. This extended to everyone he met—from students and colleagues to restaurant staff, museum docents, tour guides, and, most recently, his doctors and caregivers. Names weren’t enough—stories mattered. Even when troubled by current events, he held fast to kindness, respect, and faith in the goodness of people.
A lifelong swimmer and devoted coach, Bill competed at Culver and Trinity and began coaching in 1967. He especially loved helping beginners—from toddlers to seniors—build confidence in the water. In Huntley, he served as President of the Stingray Swim Club and enjoyed workouts with his teammates. Even as his health declined, he continued to swim, drawn to the water’s freedom and the camaraderie of the team.
He is also survived by his brothers, Charles (Janet) and Jack (Edith), and their children. Bill took great pride in his family, friends, and the many students and colleagues whose lives he helped shape. He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his generous spirit, storytelling, and the quiet conviction with which he led his life. And he loved cheering for Culver, Trinity, Notre Dame, and his lifelong team, the St. Louis Cardinals.
The family will soon announce plans for a celebration of Bill’s life. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his honor to the Northwestern Medicine/Huntley Hospital Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.
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