Clair M. Roth, 90, Waconia, MN formerly of Minot and longtime Minot Public Schools educator, died Saturday, February 29, 2020 in an assisted living center.

Clair was born December 30, 1929 in Ashton, Iowa the son of Louis B. and Margaret (Staudacher) Roth. He grew up on a farm near Ashton and attended St. Joseph's High School. After graduating from high school, he attended Sheldon Junior College in Sheldon, Iowa for a year. He transferred to Westmar College of Lemars, Iowa and spent the next two years as a member of the football and baseball teams in addition to his schooling.

Clair volunteered for the US Marine Corps on December 1, 1951. He attended boot camp in San Diego, CA. He was transferred to Camp Lejune in North Carolina, where he participated in football and track. He was selected for the Camp Lejune All Defensive Team. Clair served his country overseas from December of 1952 to May 1953. He was honorably discharged on December 1, 1953.

Clair returned to school and attended the University of South Dakota for the next two years, lettering in football and track. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1956. After graduating from USD, Clair began his coaching career at Crawford High School in Nebraska. He served the school for a year as head football coach and was an assistant for basketball and track. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Education in 1961 from the University of North Dakota.

Clair was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Gregg on August 1, 1956 in White River, SD. They moved to Minot, ND in 1957 when Clair joined the Minot Public School System. Clair would spend the next 35 years of his life dedicated to the students and faculty of Minot Public Schools. He spent the first twelve years at Erik Ramstad Junior High School. He was chairman of the Physical Education Department in addition to coaching football, basketball, track and wrestling. He originated the Roth Football Award at Erik Ramstad in 1969 to promote youth football and recognize an outstanding football player each year. Clair transferred to Minot High where he continued to teach and coach until his retirement in 1992. He coached football in the Minot Public School System for 35 years, wrestling for 23 years and track and field for 15 years. Clair was dedicated to the Physical Education Department, serving as chairman for 17 years. He was an active member of both the American and North Dakota Associations for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (AAHPER & NDAAHPER) serving as State President in 1971 and was a recipient of their honor award in 1973. Clair held numerous offices and positions in the physical education and coaching fields. He was awarded the 1985 State Assistant Coach of the Year from the ND High School Coaches Association, The Merit Award from the ND High School Wrestling Coaches and the Minot High Coaching Staff Recognition Award for 35 years of service to Minot High Football. Clair was honored as a member of the Minot High School Athletic Hall of Fame in addition to numerous other honors and awards for physical education and coaching.

Clair was a member of the Little Flower Catholic Church and the American Legion Post #26.

Clair served as an official scorer and was the ND State Wrestling Tournament Floor Manager for 12 years. He was a ND State Track Meet official for javelin and discus events for many years. He was also a ND Activities Official for 22 years in basketball and football.

Clair is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Ellen Gregg; sons, Dr. David Roth, Baltimore, MD, Jeffrey Roth, St. Paul, MN; daughters, Sheree (Greg) Chromy, Park Rapids, MN, Judy (Mark) Whitman, Minot, ND, and Lisa (Jeff) Johnson, St. Bonifacius, MN; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brothers, Cecil (Lois) Roth, Ashton, IA, Clifford (Donna) Roth, Esterville, IA, Joseph (Mary) Roth, Ashton, IA; sisters, Mary Ann Mehne, Muskegon, MI, Mary Alene Poss, New Hope, MN, Mary Colette (Ed) Kalous, Marion, IA; numerous nieces and nephews.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Kelly Roth, Clete Roth, and sister, Mary Grace

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Friday, March 6, at 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND
Visitation: Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials can be shared to a place of your choice.

Clair Roth Flower Pictures