Rev. Newton Millen Roberts
December 20, 1928 - February 25, 2020
Obituary
MADISON – The Rev. Newton Millen Roberts, age 91, made his transition on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, at St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison, from complications due to a stroke. He is survived by his two sons, William and Steven; and by many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Betty Elaine Roberts; by his sisters, Jean, Lucy and Grace; and by brothers, Dayton and Stacy.
Newt was born in Pyongyang, Korea, the son of Presbyterian missionaries Stacy and Evelyn Roberts. He was a graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois and the Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. In 1952, he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister and throughout his career, he served churches in Rushmore, Minn., Oconto, Wis., New Berlin, Wis., West Linn, Ore., Portland, Ore. and Dubuque, Iowa. He also served as a member of the Synod staffs of Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. He has been a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian in Madison.
Newt had a lifelong love of jazz music and was an active member of the Madison Jazz Society while his health allowed. He was good friends with Wisconsin jazz greats Dick Ruedebusch and Chuck Hedges, and took his two sons to see the concerts of many jazz immortals.
Newt had a kind and friendly personality and an inquisitive mind that loved learning right up to the end of his life. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 4100 Nakoma Road, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020, with the Rev. Scott Anderson presiding. A reception will follow at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
Events
Memorial Service
Sat Mar 7, 2020 @ 3:00 PM CDT
Westminster Presbyterian Church • 4100 Nakoma Rd, Madison, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of Rev. Newton have been shared yet.
Memories
MM
Mark Munn
Other •
My condolences to the friends and family of Reverend Roberts, especially Bill, who holds a special place in my heart. May peace find you in this trouble time. God bless.
Mark Munn
BC
Barbara Campbell
Other •
Having just read of Newt's passing, I am remembering him so fondly and giving thanks for all the friendship and encouragement and wisdom he shared with me during our times together. Newt and I worked together in Christian Education and Youth Ministry for many years while I was Director of CE and Youth at Albany United Presbytery Church in Albany, Oregon. He taught me so much about faith seeking understanding and how to teach children and youth in the church. He had a great deal with my ultimate decision to attend seminary for ordination. He helped so many people understand the value of Christian Education and mentored many adults and children and youth in their faith. "Well done, good and faithful servant, Newt!" You are now safely resting in the Lord, I am sure!
MM
MARCIA MCKENNA
Other •
I just heard of Newt's death, and remember him fondly . We met at St. Mary's rehab center when I went there to rehab my new knee. Our friendship helped pass the days while we were recovering with laughter and conversations. We enjoyed watching the Packers & Badger football games with his two sons, Steve & Bill. My prayers and sympathy are with you. He was so proud of both of you. Newt is in a much happier place.
TG
Tina Grile
Other •
Bill & Scott, Iwe are so sorry for your loss. I remember your parents so well from New Berlin days. My dad & Mom, Jack & Dorothy Malcolm, were such good friends of theirs. I remember meeting you both as your Mom did chalk drawings of all us kids. We all ended up on the West coast with my family near Portland area. We stayed with them multiple times when we were in town. They both were so loving and supportive of us. We all had challenges but continued on. I'm so sorry to be slow honoring him. I only knew my letters were being returned. Many blessings, Tina Grile (& Rich Bossardt)