Raymond Root

Raymond Dallas Root, age 86, of Pillager, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at St Gabriel’s hospital in Little Falls. Ray was born in Brainerd on September 29, 1937, to Albert & Verna (Fletcher-Blocker) Root. He married Eleanor VanVickle on June 3, 1961, and they had two daughters.

Ray was a true comedian, always a jokester. He was the ultimate handy man! He could fix anything, with whatever he had available. Ray grew up on a farm. He worked operating machinery, driving trucks and heavy equipment. He served his country in the US Army and drove a tank. He enjoyed music and traveling, Ray and Eleanor went to Arkansas and Missouri to listen to Blue Grass music many times. He enjoyed swimming, fishing and ice skating on the river.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 62 years, Eleanor; daughters, Janelle (Richard) Karst and JoEllen (Derek) Johnson; brother, Richard Root; grandchildren, Vanessa (Mark) Rudolph, Teresa Karst, Christina Karst, Michael (Melissa) Karst, Amber (Sean) Racelo, Ashley (Kevin) Vogt, Noelle Johnson, Miranda Johnson and Alexis Johnson; great-grandchildren, Colton, Myles, Emma, Liam, Kade, Kohen, Ivey, Eden and Lorelai.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Reuben Root.

Services for Raymond will be on Friday, November 17 at 11AM at First Baptist Church in Pillager. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Friday, and from 4-7PM on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the church.