Delbert Routh, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at age 88, just shy of his 89th birthday. Delbert quietly left this earth to join the heavens on July 20, 2019 at 1:10 P.M. in Mt. Ayr, Iowa.
Delbert was born on August 24, 1930 on the family farm near Diagonal, Iowa to Glen and Gladys (England) Routh. He graduated from Clearfield High School in 1948. On December 10, 1951, he married his first (and forever) wife, Bernadine Maye Boltinghouse. Together they raised two daughters, Delberta and Debra on their family farm in Diagonal.
Delbert had a passion for people and joke telling. He and Bernadine had the social calendar of a dignitary — attending all of life’s celebrations, big and small —supporting their many friends across the country. As a 6’ 2” man wearing cowboy boots and a Stetson until his last days, Delbert commanded the room. If you didn’t know him when you arrived, you did by the time you left. He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, giving spirit and of course many (dirty) jokes.
His magnetic personality led him through successful career achievements as a salesman at his company, Palco Livestock Equipment, leading philanthropic efforts and strongly impacting agriculture in Iowa and beyond. He was most proud of his involvement with the Iowa State Fair. For 60 plus years, Delbert and Bernadine never missed a fair (though he attended many before), having attended his last as the Iowa State Fair Grand Marshall in 2018. Delbert led the efforts for three significant showcases at the Iowa State Fair with the Big Boar, the Big Bull and the Big Horse contests.
Though he was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Hazel (Routh) Sollars and BettyJo (Routh) Miller, and grandson Joey Beck, his joyous life will be forever remembered in the hearts of his wife, Bernadine; his two daughters: Delberta (Richard Beck) of Lenox and Debra (Keith) Welling of Indianola; five grand-children: Kisha Cronbaugh, Clint (Dawn) Welling , Kylee (Nick) Krizmanic, Brian and Joey Beck; six great-grand-children: Owen Welling, Mia Krizmanic, Samuel Welling and Gwen Grace Krizmanic, Trenton & Tressa Beck; and countless other dear family members and friends.
Many say the party started when he arrived, and he knew it. We believe Delbert has made it to his next party. And we’re sure he’ll have fun up there. Meanwhile, we’ll have one last celebration in honor of him. Please join us for a visitation from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the Diagonal School Gymnasium, 402 W. 2nd Street, Diagonal, Iowa and funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the school, just 1 month shy of his 89th birthday. Burial will be in the Clearfield Cemetery in Clearfield, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Clearfield Lions Club or Iowa State Fair.
Arrangements are under direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri.
1 comment:
The Delbert Routh Family and Relatives, I am one of the PALCO Group in Belle Plaine, Ia, and I was the Accountant for 10 years, we all knew Delbert very well. He truly was " ONE OF A KIND " SO GLAD THAT HE WAS GRAND MARSHALL of the IOWA STATE FAIR last year 2018. Extending my sympathy and prayers to all.
Marjorie ( Marj ) O'Brien
Belle Plaine, Ia
Post a Comment