Obituary of Brian K. Roten

Brian K. Roten, 61, of Manheim, PA, formerly a resident of Mount Joy and Marietta, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Tuesday morning, April 8, 2025. Born in Peach Bottom, he was the son of the late Joseph Roten, Sr. and Virginia Trimble Roten.

Brian was an active member of Stevens Hill Community Church of the Brethren in Elizabethtown where he served as a deacon, an usher, a greeter, and a children’s story leader. He made the beef soup for Love Feast, mowed the lawn, helped clean the building, and was a vital part of those working on the current addition to the church building.

Brian was also an active volunteer with Brethren Disaster Ministries, serving on multiple building projects in a variety of ways. From project leader to cook, Brian was always willing to help in whatever ways he was needed. Through BDM, Brian also volunteered many hours for the Brethren Disaster Relief Auction held in Lebanon, PA, each year. He could often be seen at the Lebanon Fairgrounds kitchen stirring multiple large pots of soup that he made. That was Brian; helping whoever, wherever, and whenever he could. Brian was always there and was always seeking ways to be of help to others.
 

Brian was a graduate of Kennet High School. He earned his living as a carpenter and was currently employed maintaining the property of Dr. Paul Hetrick in Penn Twp. Brian enjoyed spending time with family, often playing card and board games with them. He also enjoyed monthly Mariachi outings with friends. Brian was not only a good cook, but some would consider him to be a chef. If you had the opportunity to share a meal that he made you most definitely would be asking for the recipe. He also was the definition of a “Jack of all trades,” a skill that he learned from his father. Lastly, he enjoyed sitting on the porch listening to his wind chimes and watching the wildlife.

He is survived by a brother, Joseph Roten, Jr. of Wilmington, DE; a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Neuhauser of East Earl; and two nieces and three nephews. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mashelle Neuhauser.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Stevens Hill Community Church of the Brethren, 3131 Turnpike Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Private interment will be in Mount Zion Methodist Cemetery in Peach Bottom. There is no public viewing. The family will receive guests immediately following the service during a luncheon at the church. If desired, contributions may be made in his memory to Brethren Disaster Ministries, 601 Main Street, New Windsor, MD 21776 or to Stevens Hill Community Church of the Brethren. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.