Clayton Eugene "Gene" Koth
January 08, 2015
Clayton Eugene “Gene” Koth died January 8, 2015, surrounded by family and friends, under the care of WesleyLife Hospice at Edgewater Retirement Community in West Des Moines. A service celebrating Gene’s life will be held Saturday, January 24, 10:30 a.m., at Walnut Hills United Methodist Church in Urbandale, with family welcoming friends at 9:30 a.m.
Born in Slayton, MN, on June 29, 1938, to Clayton and Eva Koth, Gene moved with his family to Le Mars, IA, where he graduated from high school and from Westmar College. Gene went on to receive a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Seminary, Evanston, IL. In 1962, Gene and Anne Clawson were married in Naperville, IL.
After ordination as a United Methodist minister in 1964, Gene began his ministry in Iowa, where he served churches in Des Moines, Bettendorf, and Chariton, and served as Superintendent of the Perry District. In 1989, Gene was appointed as the founding pastor of Walnut Hills Church in Urbandale, where he served until his retirement in 2002.
Gene always said, “My life is not my own, but belongs to God.” He truly lived a life of service and provided others both inspiration and settings for service and justice. While he and Anne enjoyed travel, including annual visits to the Mendocino Music Festival on the northern California coast and wonderful times of play with their grandchildren, Gene’s retirement continued to be one of service, with ten years of mentoring children at Capitol View Elementary in Des Moines. His wishes now are for donation of his body to Des Moines University.
Gene is survived by his wife, Anne; his sons, John (Sherri) of Sun Valley, ID and Kent (Ling Yeh) of Seattle, WA; his grandchildren, Taylor, Nadiya, and Kalani; his brother, Robert of Phoenix, AZ; and his sister, Gwen (David) Mead of Rochester, MN. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Joan Markley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Walnut Hills United Methodist Church or the Edgewater Good Samaritan Fund. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Hubert, Mary Lou and Brad Pierschbacher
01/23/2015
Anne, John and Kent;
We are so sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of your family when you lived in Chariton. We lift your family up in prayer at this difficult time. May you find peace in knowing Gene has gone to his heavenly home.
Gary Vance
01/23/2015
Learning of Gene's passing prompted a time of reflection. Both the Koths and the Clausens touched my life as a young man at Hildreth Memorial and Calvary Churches in Le Mars. Gene was a role model and Anne was my piano teacher. Gene's sister, Joan, was in my class...we grew up together. May God bless the Koths and the Clausens and their lives of service.
Laura Adkins
01/22/2015
Anne,
I know you will miss Gene greatly. He was an amazing man. I hope he meets up with Jess as he enters those "pearly gates". My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fran Ganoe
01/18/2015
Anne, I am thankful that Gene (with your support and help) built a strong foundation for Walnut Hills United Methodist Church. Through his actions, he demonstrated God's love and acceptance. When recalling memories of Gene, I picture his joyful smile as he shared crackers and juice with my "severe/profound" functioning students. May you and your family recall many fond memories.
Harlan W. Winter
01/17/2015
Anne, It was just this morning that I heard of Gene's death. It seems that we are losing so many of those we knew years ago but the news of Gene's death was especially hard. The two of you had good years together and for that I am very glad. May you know the blessings of God in this very special time. God's blessing always!!
Kathleen Kruse (Farmer, Oetken)
01/14/2015
Anne, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I remember both you and Gene from our years in Le Mars schools. He was so friendly, smart, athletic and you were his perfect partner. May God comfort you in the days ahead.
Dorothy Nicholson
01/14/2015
Anne, My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I remember both you and Gene as great examples for the rest of us in both school and church. Gene will be missed greatly.
Nancy Wylie
01/13/2015
Anne, John, and Kent, Sorry to hear the news of Gene's death. Our family has happy memories of our visits with yours. I cherish Gene as pastor, friend, and DS.
Karen Johnson
01/13/2015
Anne,my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I recall when Gene moved to LeMars, I think it was the 5th grade. He was an outstanding leader right up to when he was our class president in sr high. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Norma Kehrberg
01/12/2015
Anne, I just received the news of Gene's death. Please know that you, your sons and family are in my thoughts and prayers. There is nothing like the roots that go back to junior high and high school and continueand they continue through this day as very special people. I will include a special prayer for Gene, his life and service in ministry and for you and your family on January 24. In Christ's love.
Jean Runcie-Veeder
01/12/2015
Anne, My Sympathies are with you and your family. Gene is with the Lord now, you may find peace & joy in that. He will surely be missed at our reunions
Kim Weeks
01/12/2015
Our condolences to the Koth family. Gene was a very special person in my life. His first church was Sheridan Park United Methodist in DSM. We attended that church and were lucky enough to live across the street from wonderful neighbors, Gene and Anne - they were not only fabulous neighbors, but pulled off being a 'sudo' second set of parents. They would do anything for you! Gene will be greatly missed!
Janiene (Carson) Sotter
01/10/2015
Koth family: I'm so sorry to hear about Gene's passing. Thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort are sent your way. He will be missed.
Cathy and Wayne (Bingham) Towle
01/10/2015
Ann, We are so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. What a wondeful Minister, and Friend. He is one that I will never forget and will always look up to. Our hearts are heavy for you and your family.
Carol Crandall
01/10/2015
My heart is heavy with the news of Gene's passing. I am thankful for the friendship and memories we have shared. Blessings to you and your family at this time of great loss and sadness. I and many others share your loss.