Leslie Routier, 84, of Grinnell, died on Monday, May 6, 2024, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A private family gathering will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Chris Norton Foundation (helping people with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities live life to the fullest) and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Les' family online at www.smithfh.com.

Leslie Lee Routier was born on October 14, 1939 in Grinnell, Iowa to Russell Jess Routier and Ruth Nadine (Dobson) Routier. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1957.

Les honorably served in the United States Navy from 1957 – 1963 and was stationed on the USS Independence. He was united in marriage to Linda Lamb on June 6, 1970 at the Grinnell Christian Church. The couple raised their family in Grinnell and Les worked at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown for 45 years until his retirement in October of 2000.

Les enjoyed riding his motorcycle, cleaning and taking care of his vehicles, eating popcorn and ice cream, and playing cards. His greatest love was his family. He always looked forward to attending his children's and grandchildren's school and athletic events and helped coach their softball teams. He will be remembered as a gentle man, who loved, laughed, and totally enjoyed life.

Les is survived by his wife, Linda Routier of Grinnell; children, Laura (Jeff) Vorwerk of Altoona, IA, Marlis (Jeff) Anker of Polk City, IA, Denny (Kay) Routier of Waterloo, IA, Randy Routier of California; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and a brother, Leonard Routier of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Ruth (Dobson) Routier; brothers, Lyle and Lawrence Routier; sisters, Lila Bell and Linda Routier; and his grandchildren, Danielle Anker and Benjamin Vorwerk.