Edward W. Roth, 83, of Urbandale, surrounded by his loving wife and family, went to be with his Lord on February 23, 2010. He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life, Florence; six children, Jacquelyn (Bob) Kaufman, Dean (Annette) and Mark of Des Moines, Del Rae of San Francisco, Brenda (Jim Youngblut) of Minneapolis and Pat (Barbara) of Florida; twelve loving grandchildren, Eric, Sarah, Beth and Megan Anderson, Josh, Kristin and Matthew Roth, Jack, Jimmy and Mary Youngblut and Samantha and Eddie Roth; brother, Martin (Rose) Roth and sister, Theresa Jahner of Appleton, WI. Ed was born and raised in Strasburg, N.D. After service in World War II in the Army Air Corps, he attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. Ed built a career selling insurance throughout the Upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest and West. Florence and Ed have been residents of Urbandale and members of St. Pius X Catholic Church since 1961. A friend to many and a long-standing businessman, Ed retired as Chairman and CEO of the Statesman Group in 1982. He has since devoted his time to his family and numerous organizations including serving on the Boards of Dowling Catholic Foundation, Holy Family School Foundation, West Bank, American Mutual Life Insurance, Boy Scouts of America, Des Moines Diocesan Foundation and Mercy Hospital Foundation. He was an active member of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the Sierra Club and Rotary International where he enjoyed the camaraderie of wonderful friends. Dad enjoyed nature, watching birds and squirrels, fishing and golfing, playing cards and traveling. He loved to return to North Dakota to see family and friends and go pheasant hunting with his brothers and nephews. A good joke was always appreciated and shared. He loved to drive. He believed in hard work and never giving up. He was proud of his heritage and his country. He will be greatly missed by his family and the many people who knew his sense of humor, resilient spirit and faith-filled life. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Thursday at St. Pius X Catholic Church where a vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. today. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Dowling Catholic Foundation, Holy Family Foundation or St. Pius X School Edward and Florence Roth Scholarship Fund.