Warren Dean Routh

WARREN DEAN ROUTH, age 87 of Waseca, died in the early morning of Sunday, December 15, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family following a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Warren was born in Albert Lea on December 26, 1936 to parents Glen and Alma (Amundson) Routh. He went to school in New Richland and graduated with the class of 1954. In 1955 he began his service to the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1957. Warren was married to Sharon Bartz and they began a family together before later divorcing. In 1993, after being together for years before, Warren was married to Susan Friesen in Waseca and they have made their life together with both of their families for the last 45 years. Warren was an employee in various positions within Brown Printing Company in Waseca for 39 years, and he was instrumental in helping to rebuild that business following the infamous roof collapse in 1988. The many colleagues he developed and came to know at Brown remained his close friends in the years since his retirement. Warren enjoyed horses, gardening, camping, his season tickets to Minnesota Gopher Football, working on the family farm, spending time with his grandchildren, and sitting on his deck and soaking up the joys of his property. He was a member of the Waseca County Sherriff’s Posse for 40 years, the Wilton River Riders Saddle Club, and often volunteered with Waseca High School Wrestling tournaments. He was also a lifetime member of Grace Lutheran Church and recently attended First Baptist Church in Waterville.

Warren is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Susan Routh of Waseca; six children, Bart (Rochelle) Routh of Stafford, VA, Bruce (Rhonda) Routh of Waconia, Brian (Nicole) Routh of Thornton, CO, Todd (Natalia) Erlandson of Cortez, CO, Erin (Phil) Marick of Bloomington, and Aundè (Guadalupe) Reyna of Owatonna; fourteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four siblings, JoAnn (Steve) Eaton of Venice, FL, Allan Routh of Owatonna, Mark (Brenda) Routh of New Richland, and Kristine Fischer of Coon Rapids; one Aunt, Jean Wilkenson of Arizona; two brothers-in-law, Marty Gora of Onalaska, WI, and Paul Arnfelt of Owatonna; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Gail Arnfelt and Fay Gora.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca, and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or Mayo Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Waterville, with Rev. Gene Witte officiating. Following a luncheon, interment will take place at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.