Irene A. Roth

Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, “O my father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

The Lord’s will was done as he called his faithful daughter, Irene A. Roth, 86, of Eland, to Heaven on Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Irene was born to Richard and Gladys (Fenske) Hegewald on July 17, 1933, in Birnamwood.

Raised a hard-working farm girl, member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Birnamwood and strong believer in Christ, she was destined to live in service to God.

Jackson Roth married his soul mate on June 30, 1951. They lived a long life in Eland made of countless moments and memories. They were blessed with five children, Joyce (Leo) Wudstrack, of Tigerton, Carol Henselin, of Tigerton, Dale (Jeanie) Roth, of Birnamwood, Kristie (Dave) Gardner, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Dean (Janet) Roth, of Eland. The family farmed, cultivating a family made of love and laughter.

Irene enjoyed helping others as she was a longtime volunteer at the Bethesda Thrift Store in Wausau and at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Birnamwood. Her hands and heart knitted thousands of one-of-a-kind gifts for others and prepared numerous meals. She also enjoyed berry picking, canning, processing meat, sewing, reading and bargain shopping, especially at rummage sales. She will be remembered for her helping hands, gentle demeanor, loving heart, unwavering faith and selflessness.

Irene is survived by her husband, Jackson; their children; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister Rose Marie (James) Wesener of Gresham; and a brother Harold (Audrey) Hegewald of Nekoosa, along with numerous special nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Bill Henselin; siblings, LaVern, Elroy and Norman.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Birnamwood. The Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Visitation was held Tuesday, from 5-8 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church and again Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

The family thanks the LeRoyer Hospice and Aspirus At Home Nursing for their compassion and support.

“I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. In the day I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:1, 3

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