Donald N. Koth

1925 - 2023

Donald N. Koth, 97, of Largo, Florida and formerly of Rushville and Bloomington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home in January 2023. Don was born in 1925 to Henry and Helen Koth and was the last survivor of their 13 children.

Don graduated from Washington High School and then served in the Army in France and Germany during World War II, receiving the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After an honorable discharge, Don graduated from Bradley University.

He married Joann Schroen in 1957 and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage and love. Joann survives. They have three surviving children: David (Kathy) of Bloomington, IL; Douglas (Cheryl) of Bloomington, IL; and Susan (Todd) Schwingle of Branson West, MO. Don is also survived by nine grandchildren: Daniel (Megan) Koth of Chicago; Derek Koth of Chicago; Dennis Koth of Monterey, CA; Dustin (Amber) Koth of Normal, IL; Jennifer (Sean) Stevens of Bloomington; Dylan (Laci) Koth of Oklahoma City, OK; Dallas Koth of Coralville, IA; Stephanie Schwingle of Tinley Park, IL; and Courtney Schwingle of Alameda, CA. Don also has seven great-grandchildren.

Don owned insurance agencies in Astoria and Rushville. For more than 30 years, Don and Joann were active members of the Rushville community and raised their family on their farm just outside of Rushville. Don volunteered as a Boy Scout leader, a youth sports coach, a RHS booster and was a member of the Rushville Rotary Club, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Masonic Lodge.

After retiring in 1984, Don enjoyed playing golf, tennis, competed in the Senior Games at the local, state and national levels, and pitched horseshoes in local and state competitions. In golf, Don shot his age in the 60s, 70s and 80s and had several holes-in-one. Don and Joann retired to Fairway Village in Largo and were active in that community for many years. Don had been a member of the Rushville United Methodist Church, attended Bloomington Wesley UMC and was a member at St. Paul UMC in Largo.

Don was a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather who was a role model to his family. Don liked spending time outdoors enjoying nature, but more than anything he loved spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed. A Florida celebration of life was held at the Fairway Village clubhouse. A visitation and graveside service will be held in Rushville at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the El Paso Golf Club tree fund, the Fairway Village Women Working Wonders or the Scripps Park Golf Course.