Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home History
Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home History
Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home was established in 1945 by John Lenroot, a native of Superior. He purchased the funeral home from Florence Flinn, daughter of James Flinn, and converted the family’s former residence into a funeral home. With the support of the community, including a letter from Coad LeSage to the zoning board, the building was approved for use as a funeral establishment, beginning a new chapter of service to local families.
Prior to returning to Superior, John Lenroot operated a funeral home in Iron River, Wisconsin, for seven years, bringing valuable experience and a strong commitment to compassionate care.
John Maetzold, who had been with the funeral home since its founding, played an important role in its early years. Before joining Lenroot, he worked at Gleason Mortuary in Minneapolis from 1936 to 1941 and later with Bell Brothers in Duluth. A native of Leser Prairie, Minnesota, John Maetzold contributed greatly to the firm before leaving in 1956 to establish a funeral home of his own.
In 1972, the Downs family purchased Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, continuing its tradition of service to the Superior community. William Downs, Jr., would later own and operate Lenroot -Maetzold and in 1986, he expanded their presence with the purchase of the LeSage Funeral Home, bringing together two long-standing funeral traditions.
William Downs III, who became a licensed funeral director in 1984, assumed ownership in 2009 and along with Jody Tetzlaff they continued that legacy of service until January 2026.
In February 2026, Downs Life Celebration Center became the next steward of Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home. While the East 5th Street location has since closed, the legacy of care established by the Lenroot, Maetzold, and Downs families continues.
Today, we are honored to continue the tradition established by those who came before us, serving families with compassion, dignity, and personal care that have defined our funeral home for generations.
