William (Bill) K. Roth, 86, passed away in his sleep at home on Monday, October 16, 2017 in Weidman, Michigan.  He was born on June 5th, 1931 in Pontiac, Michigan to Dorothy Roth (Smith). On November 7th, 1962, he married Claudia Manzer in East Lansing, Michigan.

     Bill is survived by his wife, Claudia; his daughter, Sherri (Frank) Wynn of Reno, Nevada; his two sons, Kent Roth of Shepherd, Michigan and Bryan (Judy) Roth of Traverse City, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Bill, Jolie, Forest, Tyler, Fox, Roy, Konnor, and Madilyn; and one brother, Jay (Leslie) Roth of Saginaw, Michigan.

     Bill was a legendary petroleum geologist in the Michigan oil & gas industry starting his career with McClure Oil Company in 1958.  He remained in the oil business for 58 years, most of that time with McClure Oil, and later in his career, he co-founded Wavelet Investments (oil & gas) with his son.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed countless trips to Canada and spending time at his deer camp in central Michigan.  As a graduate of Michigan State University, he was a die-hard MSU fan and loved going to football and basketball games for 50 years.  He was well known for his card game skills and winning ways at the casino.  Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

     A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Sunday, October 22, from Noon until 3:00 p.m. at the Shepherd Bar and Restaurant in Shepherd, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education at Western Michigan University.  Make checks payable to WMU for MGRRE and mail to Linda Harrison, 1903 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5241, or to a charity of your choice.