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There are several "Roths" attending First Baptist Church, so you may be wondering who Austin and Marissa Roth are! I'd love to introduce them—or help you get to know them a little better. We are so thankful to have Austin and Marissa as part of our church family and are grateful for the opportunity to worship alongside them. Austin is the youngest son of Mike and Diane Roth. He grew up in Waukon and has attended First Baptist Church since he was a child. He has two older brothers, Michael Jr. and Tyler, who also grew up attending our church.

Marissa (Laska) grew up in Winona, MN with her parents and one older sister. Austin & Marissa have been blessed with two sons, Colton (5 yrs.) and Cory (3 yrs.). “They keep us on our toes!” exclaims Marissa. Between both families, they share 3 nieces and 5 nephews.

Austin graduated from Waukon High School in 2014 and continued to work at Fareway Grocery Stores where he entered the management program. After a few transfers to other Fareway locations and meeting Marissa, he decided to leave the program and pursue other career paths. Marissa graduated in 2015 from Hope Lutheran High School in Winona, MN and went on to pursue her Associate’s Degree in Accounting. She graduated in 2017 from MN State College Southeast Technical and recently is working towards her Early Childhood Education diploma through NIACC. Austin met Marissa in August of 2017 through an online dating app. At the time, Austin lived in Cresco, IA and Marissa lived in Winona, MN, so the couple took turns visiting each other on the weekends. Eventually, Austin moved to Winona so they could be closer together. In September 2018 Austin took Marissa on a hike on Pikes Peak where he proposed at the Bridal Veil Falls lookout! Theirs was a beautiful and snowy wedding day in Winona, MN on October 12, 2019.

In May of 2020, they decided to move to Waukon as they were expecting their first child and wanted to live in a smaller town atmosphere. “This decision was important to us on where to raise our children.” Austin currently works at Waukon’s Fareway in the meat department and reentered the management program as a non-transfer. Marissa has worked at Growing Bear Daycare with the infant age group for almost six years. 

In their spare-time, they enjoy playing games, watching movies, and listening to music. Austin enjoys watching and following sports, grilling, and running. Marissa enjoys walking, drinking coffee, and solving Sudoku puzzles. As a family, they enjoy Waukon’s City Park, going on family trips to new places, and having dance parties! 

Colton is their smart, cuddly, and energetic boy! “He loves all things robots and Legos as well as drawing.” He will be attending kindergarten this fall and enjoys wrestling, and hopes to try soccer next year, too! Cory is their sweet and wild, dinosaur, and monster-truck loving boy! He loves all things robots and Legos as well as drawing.” He will be attending kindergarten this fall and enjoys wrestling, and hopes to try soccer next year, too! He loves playing the Catch and Paint game. “You never know what he will say next!” Both boys love snacks, movie nights, dancing and playing with their cousins. The Roth’s “fur babies” are Oakley – an 8-yr. old Collie mix, and Chewie – a 3-yr. old Chihuahua mix. This completes their happy family!

Marissa grew up attending a Lutheran school (pre-school – high school) and church on most Sundays, including Chapel during the week, and was baptized as an infant. “I’ve always believed and felt that God was a constant part of my life. A moment I remember once in high school I was struggling with some health-related issues regarding myself, and a grandparent’s health issues, too. Going to a Lutheran school, I was able to confide in a teacher. I remember her praying over me to give me strength and to trust in God.” This crisis was crucial in Marissa’s walk with God. Austin grew up going to FBC’s AWANA (at the old church building), and as a Sparky, he began to understand God better. As adults, they grew closer to the Lord and stronger in their faith during a family crisis. “It brought us all closer together and in our faith.”

The Roths were drawn to First Baptist with a “sense of belonging” and that everyone cares about each other. Austin was familiar with the church folks since he grew up with them.
Marissa’s favorite Bible verses is Psalm 55:22, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Austin’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

“From our family to yours, we hope you feel the love of God in your life today and every day. Thank you for welcoming us into the First Baptist church family!” And we are so blessed to have you as part of our church family, Austin, Marissa, Colton, and Cory. May God continue to bless your family!