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William "Bill" Thomas Root
Jody Hane2020-08-29T16:18:36-05:00
- Name: William "Bill" Thomas Root
- Location of Birth: Bigfork, Minnesota
- Date of Birth: December 3, 1932
- Date of Death: February 13, 2002 (69 years old)
- Parents: Foster Root and Ella (Steichen) Root
- High School and Class:
- College:
- Highest Rank: SA (Seaman Apprentice)
- Branch: Navy
- Other Branch:
- Date Sworn In:
- Place Sworn In:
- Date of Discharge:
- Place of Discharge:
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- Military Awards:
- Military Highlights:
- Wars Involved:
Korean Conflict
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- Civilian Life:
As a small child, Bill moved to Grand Rapids where he grew up and attended schools.
He served in the United States Navy and following his discharge, returned to Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
On April 6, 1957, he was married to Elizabeth "Jean" Hammann in Grand Rapids, Minnesota where he worked 35 years for Blandin Paper Company, retiring in 1993. He also raised beef cattle for many years.
He was a member of the American Legion in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
He loved to fish, hunt and watch the local sports teams in Grand Rapids.
Bill is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Root; two daughters, Lisa (Paul) Ische and Holly (Dan) Dobie; a son, Gregory (Tammy); six grandchildren; three sisters, Norma Bartell, Rosella Abbott, and Viola Starkey; four brothers, Leonard, Melvin, Walter, and Gene; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Grace Braford and Irene Stoltzman; and two brothers, Russell and Foster.
Bill died at his home in Splithand Township, Itasca County, Minnesota and is buried in Harris Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot 3.27.3.8)
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