Michael Edward Routhe

It is with great sadness that the family of Michael E. Routhe, 70, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, announce his passing on 11/24/2024, after a short but courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a world that was infinitely brighter for having known him.
Born on September 20,1954, in Toledo, to Polly and Edward Routhe. He was a Whitmer High School graduate and could still sing all the cheers and fight song, and if you were lucky enough, he would perform them for you. He began working at Jeep in Septembe of 1972, and held multiple job titles through his 30 years there, finishing his career as the UAW Safety Rep when he retired in 2002. He not only built a career, but also a community of friends, some he considered family.
He married the love of his life Linda on August 18 th, 1973. He and Linda shared a love story that was the envy of many. They spent 51 years together and had two sons, Ryan, and Randy. They were not just partners, but inseparable best friends who did everything together, whether it was traveling to Marco Island for the winter, enjoying times with friends and family, working on home projects, or simply hanging out on the back porch, sipping wine, and listening to their favorite music. Together they created a lifetime of memories.
In his younger years, Mike enjoyed camping, golfing, hunting, and boating. He was a jack of all trades, a skilled handyman, the first to roll up his sleeves and help whenever a project needed tackling, whether it was building a deck, fixing a leaky faucet, wiring an outlet, or just offering a helping hand and moral support.
Known far and wide for his zest for life, Mike was the kind of person who turned every moment into an adventure and every gathering into a party. Mike never met a stranger, only friends he hadn't met yet, greeting every person with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. He had the ability to connect and strike up a conversation with everyone he met, whether it was in line at the grocery store, or the wait staff at his table. He was a genuine friend, turning casual conversations into lasting friendships. He had the ability to light up any room and touched countless lives in profound ways. He was a man who loved deeply, laughed loudly, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest. The world was better-and certainly more fun-with Mike in it.
His love for good music, great company, and 'One More' Bud Light was rivaled only by his devotion and love he had for his family. He took immense pride in being a father to Ryan and Randy, guiding them with his voice of reason and advice, celebrating their victories, and helping them navigate their challenges. He loved to cook and celebrate with family for any reason and Holidays were his favorite. The family spent countless family dinners, cookouts, and birthday celebrations together, where Mike would share his legendary stories, sometimes funny, sometimes profound, but always entertaining. A treasure his family will hold on to forever.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Polly and Edward Routhe, and sisters Karen and Debbie.
He leaves behind his soulmate Linda; Sons Ryan (Kim) and Randy (Emily); granddaughters Kaley (Wes) and Izabel; great grandson, Cooper; Sister Shelly; many nieces and nephews and a circle of friends that spans miles, years, and countless shared stories.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Thursday, December 5th, from 2pm-6pm at Nick and Jimmy's Bar & Grill, 4956 Monroe St. In his honor, the family invites you to join them for food, laughter, and sharing stories-just as he would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in his memory to Hospice of NW Ohio.
Here's to you Mike, you will always be with us in our hearts and stories. Cheers to a life well-lived!
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