Allen Routzahn

1929 - 2018

Allen Riddell Routzahn, 89, of Sun City West, Arizona, previously of Frederick, Maryland, made his transition peacefully to eternal life Sunday, November 25, 2018 in the loving arms of his wife, Gherrie.

Allen was born August 8th, 1929 at the home of his parents, Charles O. Routzahn and Erma L. Routzahn at 201 E 3rd Street in Frederick Maryland. Later the family moved to Rosemont Avenue. Allen was the seventh of eight children. Allen was a long-time member of United Church of Christ in Frederick and served as a Deacon. He attended Frederick High School and went on to pursue higher education at University of Maryland on a basketball scholarship.

At the age of 24, Allen founded Routzahn's and Sons on South Market Street where he began as a door to door salesman selling appliances out of catalogs. His entrepreneurial business spirit was highly recognized by the Frederick community. In 1972, Allen was named Brand Name Appliances Retailer of the year; and, in 1975 was selected as Furniture Dealer of the year. In 1973 and 1977, Routzahn's was selected by Dealerscope magazine to be the recipient of the Pride Award. In 1985, he was very proud of recognition received from the National Retail Merchants Association and personal congratulations from President Ronald Reagan for distinguished services to retailing. Routzahn's evolved into a 13-store company with over 250 employees in MD, PA and VA. He was devoted to his business, his employees, and customers. He was a pioneer businessman and advocate of downtown Frederick. Saying he loved his home town Frederick, is an understatement.

In 1962, in partnership with United Church of Christ, Allen was campaign chair for the Bell Ringer March in Frederick MD for Mental Health. He served on the Board of Associate's for Hood College and on the Advisory Committee for Mount St. Mary's Graduate School. He was a strong supporter of the YMCA and raised funds for the new building on Market Street in Frederick. Allen made a gift to the Frederick Memorial Hospital in dedication to Routzahn's employees to support the expansion and modernization project of the early 1980s. He was an advocate of United Way in Frederick and Washington Counties in MD and Pottstown PA. He was a member of Young President's Organization and the World President's Organization.

In 1987, when Allen retired he chose Sun City West AZ after many visits to be closer to his sister Elinor Hutton and her husband, Dr. Robert Hutton. In his retirement, his passion for helping people continued through his involvement in mentoring, charity and education. In 1988, he served as Chairman of the campaign for Frederick Community College which raised over $800,000 in scholarship funds.

Allen had a zest for life and an unending desire to help people get ahead. He had an innate ability to discover the best in everyone he met. In retirement, he mentored over 50 young professionals and changed the trajectory of their lives. Allen consulted to restructure Benevilla, an important charity in Sun which supports senior's goals for independence. He was a member of the President's Club at ASU, and a member of the Board of Associates for Northern Arizona University. He was a benefactor to Banner Del Webb Hospital and was a participant in and contributor to Sun Health's Brain Research program in Sun City West.

Allen will be remembered for his business mind, integrity and love of family. Allen's authenticity and sense of humor allowed him to connect with people in a genuine way. He loved playing the piano and bridge. Allen loved to read and to challenge his mind. He was a travel enthusiast especially in retirement and recognized the beauty in every culture and place he visited. He had a strong commitment to giving back and charity, was an eternal optimist and a best friend to many.

Allen is survived by his wife, Gherrie Spofford Routzahn of Sun City West AZ. His children include daughter Jan Starr West and her husband Steve of Frederick, son Daryl Routzahn and his wife Paula of Frederick, daughter Dr. Lindsey Morin of San Diego CA, son Todd Daniel Spofford and wife Jill of San Diego CA, and daughter Susan Routzahn Everhart and husband Bill of Frederick. His grandchildren include Todd Starr and wife Ashley and their children Jonah, Zachary and India of Virginia Beach VA, Kim Starr Hotaling and husband Jay and their children Cara and Julia of Frederick MD, Chris Starr and wife Marta of Paris France, Michelle Routzahn Sullivan and husband Sean and their son Alex of Maitland FL, Sam Spofford of Waikiki HI and Sarah Spofford of San Diego CA. Additionally, he is survived by 3 sisters, Elinor Hutton, Mary Staley and Jane Marks and 23 nieces and nephews.

Allen is predeceased by his parents and his four older brothers, Charles O Routzahn, James Routzahn, Bill Routzahn and John Routzahn.

Additionally, Allen will be missed tremendously by his Arizona family, including the Crump family, the Thalman family the Balog family, John and Sherylynn Viale and Kevin and Yolanda MacAuliffe.

Memorial donations in memory of Allen can be made to Salvation Army in Frederick MD.

There will be a Celebration of Life service starting at 2:00pm on January 12 at Dutch's Daughter in Frederick, MD with refreshments served following the service.