Norman G. Roth

Dr. Norman G. Roth, 82, of St. Joseph, died January 8, 2007 at his home. Norman was born December 11, 1924, in Chicago to Joseph and Clara (Schein) Roth. At the age of 17 Norm had already graduated from High School and completed a year and a half of college when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September of 1942. Following basic training he was selected for the “90 Day Wonder” program and became an Officer. By the age of 19 he was the Captain of a Submarine Chaser in the North Atlantic where he served until the end of the war. Norm was very proud to be an American and of his service to his country during World War II. He returned from the war and continued his education at the University of Chicago, earning his Bachelors degree. He then continued his education at the University of Illinois, where he earned his Masters degree and then a PhD in Bacteriology. On February 5, 1950 he married Rose Marie Klein of Chicago. Together they had six children. Norm worked for the Federal Government as a research scientist at Fort Dietrich, Maryland before coming to St. Joseph in 1957 to accept a position at Whirlpool Corporation. Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s Norm worked through Whirlpool with the NASA space program. As Director of Life Support Systems he led a team of scientists and researchers that developed the process to freeze dry and package food for manned space flight. He was involved in the development of all aspects of physical life support for the Astronauts including methods to provide food, water, oxygen, waste disposal, and comfort while in space. He worked closely with the Astronauts and other NASA scientists during the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab programs. He was an invited VIP guest for the launch of Apollo 11, the first moon landing. He received numerous awards from NASA for his assistance and expertise in safely sending man into space and landing man on the moon. During the Space Program he was also the spokesperson for Whirlpool’s involvement with NASA. He appeared on T.V. shows such as “What’s My Line”, “To Tell the Truth”, “The Huntley Brinkley Report” and was featured in the movie “How Many Meals to the Moon”. He personally chose “Tang” to send into space. Following the Space Program, Norm became Director of Research and Engineering at Whirlpool Corporation. He retired from that position, after 34 years with Whirlpool, in 1991. In addition to his professional career, Norm was involved in various community groups. He served on the St. Joseph Library Board for more than 20 years, and was instrumental in establishing the large print book collection. He was a member of the St. Joseph Township Parks Board, helping obtain the land currently used as the Maiden Lane Soccer Park. He was an Eagle Scout and was active in Boy Scouts with his sons. He served as chairman of the local United Way for several years. He was a member of the Area Agency on Aging advisory council. He was also a past president and member of Twin City Players for the past 50 years. Dr. Roth had a love for education and following his retirement from Whirlpool he and his wife attended classes at Universities around the country and took classes locally at Lake Michigan College. He loved to travel and visit family and to host family at his home. He was actively involved with his children and grandchildren and attended their various events and activities. He was very proud of each of them and their accomplishments. He was also a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs. He was a loving and generous husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie; his six children, Sue, Bill, Joe, Ginny, Sandy (Kevin) and David (Amanda); his grandchildren, Angeline and Cassie McAllister; Sasha and Ruby Roth; Jessica (Jack), Noah, and Drew Privett; Jacob Greening; Emily Roth, Dustin, Devyn, and Donaven McLennan; and one great grandchild, Annabelle Scott. He is also survived by his brother Dr. Robert S. (Audrey) Roth and sister-in-law Marilyn Klein. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, January 11, at Kerly Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Burial will follow at B’nai Sholom Cemetery, Benton Harbor. Shiva service will be held at 7:30 pm at Temple B’nai Shalom. Donations may be made to the St. Joseph Public Library, Twin City Players, Temple B’nai Shalom or the organization of the donors choice. May his memory be a blessing.