Michael Root
May 14, 1948 ~ December 10, 2010
Mike Root, 62, Fargo, passed away at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.Mike Root was born on May 14, 1948 in Miles City, Montana. He attended school for the deaf and blind in Great Falls, MT and graduated from Great Falls High School. After graduation he attended Eastern Montana College, now Montana State University, Billings. Mike lived in Great Falls and worked for US West Telephone Company. He then moved to Billings and continued working at US West where he met his wife, Donna. He played in bands as a guitarist, bass player and singer while traveling throughout the Midwest states to entertain.Mike loved being with his grandchildren and also enjoyed amateur radio, all kinds of music, any kind of electronics, books and was willing to try anything at least once. He never let his blindness get in the way of doing anything, such as riding bike, driving and hunting. Mike loved learning and was able to audit classes at Concordia College under Professor Roy Hammerling where he could theorize with the students and in doing so made many friends. Mike is survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Brandon, Bristol, CT, Kiersten (Bill) Bishop, Plainville, CT, Jill Jorgensen, Billings, Mt, Sean Root, Great Falls, MT; 7 grandchildren; sisters, Beverly (Jerry) Williams, Miles City, MT and Betty (Russ) Engesser, Billings, MT. He also leaves many nieces and nephews which he truly loved.Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Onie Root and his brother, Art (Duke) Root. The family wishes to thank the volunteers of Hospice of the Red River Valley and Essentia Health, Fargo.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Billings MontanaMike and I were close, close friends ever since the sixties when he and I became room-mates at college when he was 20 and I was 19. I read German to him since the texts weren’t yet available in any form so that he could access them.
He will be missed by my entire family.
Clint.
Miles City I am saddened to hear the news about Mike. I have many fond memories of our childhood spent here and up in Great Falls. We enjoyed playing music together and considering the music teacher we had up in Great Falls, it’s a wonder that we both grew up to be professional musicians. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family. He will be remembered as a good friend.
Miles City MTWe were saddened to read of Mike’s passing in tonight’s newspaper. He was a delightful conversationalist and very talented musician. We were blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Billings Mt.Everyone that Knew Mike wished they lived closer to him so they could see and be around him more . “Mike” ,Squeak say hi to my mom and your mom and dad and brother ….
Great Falls MTI went to school with Mike from kindergarten through college, and also worked with him at the telephone company. He loved music and was a talented singer and guitarist, had a great sense of humor, and didn’t let blindness get in his way. I am glad he found love and happiness with his wife and family, and so very sad that he suffered so much toward the end of his life. He fought valiantly to live, and will be supremely missed by his family and many friends, including me. I have fond memories of him from the years I knew him. May he rest in peace.
Southington ConnecticutMike was one of the kindest, most gentle men I have ever met. He always had a kind and encouraging word to say. He will be missed GREATLY. We will also miss listening to him play the guitar and sing with my husband, when they would visit. Heaven definitely gained an angel. To all his family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace–thanks for some good memories
Miles City MTSo sorry to hear that Mike passed away.
he was a great guy to know and visit with
Volborg MtSorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with all of the family and friends of Mike. Jerk (akaJerry) and Ruby
Miles City MTMike was never afraid of anything. I am so glad he is not in any pain now. I wil always remember that young boy who would set on the basement steps and play checkers with hours on end. His ingenious ability to tear apart and trip to fix things. His voice and his music–the best ever. love and miss you Mike -you are in my heart forever, Barb
Billings MT It really feels sad when someone you know goes through the suffering and pain in order to get out of this world. From my conversations with Mike over the past two years, I saw great changes in his personalty and state of mind. Mike had accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and really was up-beat despite all the pain he was enduring. May he finally rest in peace. I don’t believe that GOD gets even but when you have a friend who suffered so long in dying, it makes me wonder.