Captain John Roen
1887 - 1970
Born in Tysse, Norway, where steep cliffs and narrow inlets receive the sea, John Roen answered the call to a life of adventure, traveling to the U.S. in 1906. He became a Captain in 1920, and through astute purchases of Great Lakes vessels he amassed a shipping empire. Known internationally for raising the 600' Steamer George M. Humphrey from the Straits of Mackinac in 1944, Roen conceived a simple, yet profoundly successful plan and persisted with creativity, courage and determination. Popular Mechanics Magazine proclaimed, "The raising of the Humphrey is a feat unparalleled in American marine history."
Captain Roen was a businessman, yachtsman, and 3-time international tugboat racing champion. He owned a fishing fleet, shipyard, and shipping lines. His hearty love of life inspired family, friends and competitors alike. Repeatedly he combined risk-taking with hard work, good humor and practical ingenuity. Captain John Roen died far from his birthplace but still close to the spirit of the sea.
Erected by his daughter, Hilda Roen Asher.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 44° 49.825′ N, 87° 22.963′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Howard A & Lou E Olson (here, next to this marker); George J. Baudhuin (here, next to this marker); Lost Great Lakes Mariners (here, next to this marker); Robert E. Peterson (here, next to this marker); Propellers from the tug John Purves (here, next to this marker); Historic Museum Tug John Purves (here, next to this marker); Robert Laurie and Alexander Laurie (here, next to this marker); Fred J. Peterson (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sturgeon Bay.
Also see . . .
1. Door County Maritime Museum, Sturgeon Bay WI. (Submitted on October 22, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Captain John Roen - "The Great Man of the Great Lakes" at YouTube. (Submitted on October 22, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Ship George M. Humphrey 226276. (Submitted on October 22, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
