Harlund G. Routhe

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Routhe, Harlund G. (Hal) Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service, age 87, died January 29 at his home in Falcon Heights, after a five-month battle with small cell cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Helen; his parents, Walter and Ruth Routhe; brothers, Floyd (Leona), Don, Roger, sister-in-law, Josie and sister, Marilyn Prellwitz & husband Les. Hal is survived by his wife of 13 years, Elaine Christiansen; his four sons and families: Rich, Louise, Christopher and Tyler; Mark, Debora, Carlyn (Thomas) King and Eric; Curt and Mary; Mike, Allyson, Brenna and Brandon and Elaine’s four sons and families: John, Catherine, Will and Kai; Dave, Jill, Lauren and Leigh; Jim, Sue, Emily and Sarah and Joel, Helen, Elizabeth and Martin; brothers, Tom and Charles (Jean); nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends here and in Denmark. Hal graduated from Redwood High School in 1944, then served in the Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He was passionate and proud of his 35 years with the University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service, beginning in Redwood County as 4-H Club Agent in 1946. He earned BS and MS degrees with distinction from the University of Minnesota in Agricultural Education, Agricultural Economics, and Farm Business Management. Hal was consecutively State Leader of Extension Programs, Program Leader for Agricultural Production and Management, and Associate Director of the U of MN Extension Service. In retirement, he continued to invest himself in the land grant mission of research and outreach of the University. "Service Above Self," the Rotary International motto, has guided Hal professionally and into retirement. He has been named a Paul Harris Fellow twice by his Roseville Rotary club and in 2010 received the Service Above Self award for leadership on the "Build A Chair for Bridging" project. He delighted in working on Habitat for Humanity homes and travelled to Guatemala with a Common Hope Vision team to build a home there. He shared his woodworking skills with family, friends and church in multiple ways. Hal has influenced many with his loving generosity of time, talent, and treasure. Hal maintained his beloved #3903 ‘74 Airstream trailer in mint condition to travel far and wide throughout the United States, Mexico, and in 2001, to Panama as a honeymoon trip with Elaine. He loved volunteering with school groups at the Mill Museum. His outreach was diverse. For sustaining help during Hal’s illness, the family wishes to thank HealthEast Hospice personnel, Drs. Gary Knudson and Tom Stormont; neighbors who kept the driveway clear; friends who shared cheer and food through cards, calls and visits. Hal loved each one. A celebration of Hal’s life will be held Saturday, February 8, at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd C2, Roseville with visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM, followed by lunch and interment at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the University of Minnesota Foundation, 500 McNamara Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Mpls, MN 55455 for Applied Economics Scholarship Fund #1394 or 4-H Foundation Animal Science Endowment; or Centennial UM Church Foundation, 1524 W. Co Rd C2, Roseville, MN 55113 for Hal Routhe Scholarship Fund; or donor’s choice. Roseville Memorial Chapel 651-631-2727

Published on February 2, 2014