Donald Root

Donald E. Root, 91, of New Richland, passed away on November 12, 2022.

Donald was born on January 25, 1931, in New Richland, MN, to the late Bert and Myrtle (Groth) Root. A veteran of the United States Army, Don proudly served his country during the Korean War and was a member of the Waseca VFW “Sweet-Sommers” Post 1642 Honor Guard. Skilled with his hands, Don worked as a mechanic at Kraft Foods, formerly Birds Eye, in Waseca for many years. On January 10, 1970, in Winona, MN, Don married the love of his life Bonnie (Munsch) Root; together they shared more than 50 wonderful years.

Known for his kind spirit and infectious laugh, Don was a friend to many. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, tending to his yard, paying special attention to his garden, reading, completing jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. 

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his children, Sam (Teri) Root, Marty (Karen) Root, Andrea Petzel, and Connie (Burton) Berg; grandchildren, Brady and Adam Root, Taylor (Cody Stangl) Root, Travis (Katie) Root, Jon Root, Erik (Missy) Root, Cory and April Root, Miranda Petzel, Grant (Trudy) Berg, Gavin Berg, and Kelsey (Tyler) Pederson; great-grandchildren, Harvey Root, Kassidy Kirtz, Carter, Parker and Keaton Root, Avaya Dickie, Zeke and Emerson Berg, Griffin, Olivia, and Kennedy Pederson, and Baby Stangl due in January 2023; a sister, Belvy Kaiser; a sister-in-law, Denise Esser; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bert and Myrtle Root, and his wife, Bonnie Root, Don is preceded in death by a son, Mike Root; brothers, Richard (Helen) and Dellas (Vera) Root; sisters, Goldie (LeRoy) Miller and Patsy (Levi) Bartz; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Kaiser and Tom Maras; and a sister-in-law, Joan (Tom) Baynes.

Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, November 18, 2022 at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland, MN with visitation beginning at 9 AM. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in New Richland.