Robert J. Root

Mr. Robert J. Root, age 84, passed away Saturday morning, January 19, 2008 in Florida. He was born September 18, 1923 in Muskegon to Frank and Henrietta (Swiftney) Root and had been a life resident. Mr. Root was a U.S. Army Air Corp Veteran of WWII where he served on B-17 aircraft as a radio operator/mechanic/gunner. He worked for Teledyne Continental Motors for 35 years before retiring. Mr. Root was a member of the VFW Derezinski Post #7729, was an avid golfer and fisherman, and enjoyed spending winters in Florida. On November 29, 1952 he married the former Clara Mae Estes in Baldwin, MI and she preceded him in death on February 22, 1988. SURVIVORS include 7 children, Robert C. Estes, Debra K. Root, William J. (Lori) Root all of Muskegon, Rick L. (Marie) Root of Florida, Thomas L. (Yvonne) Root, Randall G. (Terrie) Root, Kenneth R. Root all of Muskegon; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Norma) Hoffman of Fremont; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Doris Rickert. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Wilma Bearsley. SERVICES will be 11:00 AM Friday, January 25, 2008, at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. (231) 726-5210 with Rev. Greg VanderMeer officiating. Burial will be in Mona View Cemetery. VISITATION will be from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday. MEMORIALS to the family will be appreciated.