Reuben Root

Reuben Root, 86, of Brainerd, died at his home Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Funeral Services for Reuben will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 14, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Pillager. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Sylvan Cemetery.

Reuben was born April 30, 1928 near what is now Camp Ripley. He was the son of Albert and Verna (Fletcher, Blocher) Root. He married Margery Yde on June 27, 1950 at First Lutheran Church in Pillager. Reuben was a truck driver most of his life, and while driving was a member of the Teamsters Union. He could fix anything and was very mechanically inclined. He was an avid gardener and liked to hunt and fish, and his love of the outdoors was passed down to his family. After Reuben retired, he and his wife, Margie, spent winters in Arizona where Reuben discovered his passion for the guitar and spent many hours "pickin' and grinnin'" with friends.

He will be remembered and greatly missed by his daughters, Jeanne (Keith) Sustad and Julia (Tom) Butz; brothers, Richard (Yvonne) Root and Raymond (Eleanor) Root; brother-in-law, David Yde; grandchildren, Nathan (Michaela) Sustad, Michael (Rumiko) Sustad, Lauren Sustad, Seth (Katie) Butz, Jonathan (Nahid) Butz, Whitney (fiancé Kyle Grindberg) Butz, Matthew Butz; great-grandchildren, Jack Sustad, Ava Sustad, Eli Sustad, and Mia Butz; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by wife, Margery, parents and infant sister, Rose Root.