Royal "Bruce" Routh

Royal Bruce Routh (Bruce), age 97, former Superior resident, died peacefully on March 14, 2020 at home in Oulu, Wisconsin, surrounded by family. Bruce was born on November 16, 1922 in Broken Bow, Nebraska, the son of Harry Leroy and Carrie Evelyn (Fox) Routh.  He and his family moved to Superior in 1929 during the great depression, escaping harsh drought and soil conditions which made farming difficult.

He attended grade school and Central High School in Superior; in 1942 being denied entry into the military because of physical injury suffered as a child, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp at Pattison Park, participating in its construction.

He married Anna Mae DeRosia on October 9, 1948 in Superior.  They celebrated 69 years of marriage before her passing in May of 2018.

He retired as a locomotive engineer from the Burlington Northern Railroad after 42 years.  Following retirement, he volunteered with the Lake Superior Scenic Railroad for several years.  He operated the steam engine during the filming of the 1993 movie “Iron Will”.  He was interested in electronics and computers, purchasing the first available home computer.  Bruce had a “green thumb”, growing beautiful fields of gladiolas in his younger years, using the extra money to support his growing family.  As an amateur beekeeper, he was a member of the Wisconsin Bee Keepers Association.  He often attributed his longevity to the many “bee stings” he received from his “hobby”.  An avid fan of “Laurel and Hardy”, he was a member of the Sons of the Desert “Busy Bodies” club.  He was proud to be the “patriarch” of the large “Routh Clan”.  He enjoyed leading the family in “Happy Birthday” with a treasured speech introducing each birthday boy or girl.  Bruce was an active member of St Anthony Catholic Church in Superior where he could be found in the front pew on Sunday mornings.

He is survived by one son Dean Routh; six daughters, Judith Larson, Karen (Darryl) Helenius, Carol (Michael) Thomson, Dana (Daniel) Olson, Rhonda (Thomas) Miller and Jane (Peter) Moe; twenty-fourgrandchildren, fifty-eight great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and one niece, Marlene (Edwards) Case.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife; sons Donald and Mark; brother Donald; three sisters Ora (Glenn) Loyd, Dora (Marlin) Edwards (Arthur) Carlson, and Marian (Henry) Stivers.

Visitation will begin with a Rosary at 9:30 AM, Friday, June 12, 2020 at Cathedral of Christ the King, 1410 Baxter Avenue, Superior, Wisconsin and will continue until the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial with Reverend Father Andrew Ricci officiating; the burial will immediately follow at St Francis Cemetery, Superior, Wisconsin.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenrootmaetzold.com .