Monica Root

A Celebration of Life memorial service for Monica Root will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 26, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN, with the Rev. Scott Williams officiating.  Visitation will take place Thursday evening from 4 – 7 PM at the church, as well as one hour prior to the funeral on Friday.  Interment will be in St. Peter Cemetery.

Monica died on Friday, April 19, 2019 at her home in New Richland.  She was 85 years old.

Monica Mazelle (Minske) Root was born on January 18, 1934 in Mapleton, MN to Alvin “Ole” and Nada (Groll) Minske.  At the age of 10, the family moved to New Richland, where she graduated high school.  On August 24, 1952, she was united in marriage to Orville “Buck” Root in New Richland.  The couple was blessed with six children.

After starting her family, Monica was able to obtain an associate degree from the University of Minnesota.  She worked at E.F. Johnson’s, the New Richland Care Center, and did farm accounting for local farmers.  Monica was a member at First Congregational Church and later St. Peter Lutheran Church – where she enjoyed singing in the choir, Ladies Aide, and quilting.  Monica volunteered as a 4H Leader, was a member of the Saddle Club, and volunteered at the school later in life.  For fun, she and Buck enjoyed going dancing on the weekend, listening to old time and country western music, and playing cards with the neighbors.  Monica found peace quilting, gardening, and being on the farm.  Family vacations up north and traveling were also fond memories.  Above all, family was the thing Monica loved most.  From helping raise some of her grandchildren, to attending as many activities of theirs that she could, Monica always tried to be there for her family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Buck; both parents, Ole and Nada; and a daughter in-law, Rita Root.

Monica leaves behind her children, Buddy (Kay) Root, Ann (Jeff) Ruedy, Mary Root, Keith Root, Troy (Cheryl) Root, and Richard Root; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Glenda “Dee” (Jon) Tollefson and Michael (Becky) Minske; brother and sisters in-law, Nona Smith, Opal Hofius, Thelma Yess, and David (Nikki) Root; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

Memorials preferred to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society, or St. Peter Lutheran Church.