Service Details
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at. St. Mary Catholic Church, 7300 -39th Avenue. Full military honors will follow. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, the family has established an Endowment in Rich’s name at his alma mater, Kansas State University Foundation, Richard Root Scholarship.
Richard E. Root, age 64, of Kenosha, passed away at his home on November 28, 2024.
Rich was born on June 26, 1960, in Hudson, WI, a son of Herbert L. and Marlys A. (nee: Johnson) Root.
He attended Kansas State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1982. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kansas in 1988.
Rich served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1982-1987, being stationed in Washington, D.C., Okinawa, Japan, and Albany, Georgia.
On September 2, 1989, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Rich was united in marriage to Diann K (nee: Stuckey).
He founded Root Engineering Services on January 1, 2000, owning and operating the company until his retirement in August 2023.
Outside of work, Rich was a staunch supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving as an adult leader and merit badge counselor for nearly two decades. He loved working on and racing cars, a passion that he passed down and shared with his nephew Kevin. He was an avid sports fan, wearing Wildcat Purple on Saturdays and Packer Green on Sundays, but his main passion was for Milwaukee Brewers baseball. He would attend dozens of games per season with his wife Diann and his son Blake, with whom he had the goal to attend a game at every Major League stadium. Prior to his passing, he had made it to 27/30, and his family intends to complete that journey in his honor.
Survivors include his wife, Diann Root; his son Blake (Kati Martensen) Root, DVM; his two brothers, Eric (Jackie) Root and Paul (Tammy) Root; his sister-in-law, Barb Christensen; his brothers-in-law, Ed (Tricia) Stuckey and Robert (Fran) Stuckey; his four nephews, Kevin (Erin) Stuckey, Paul (Heidi) Stuckey, Sam Root, and Josh Root; three great-nieces and nephews Andrew, Anthony, and Amelia Stuckey, and his feline companions, Grover and Zelda.
Jon Lyons says
As Chaplain for American Legion Post 21, Sons of The American Legion Squadron 21, and District 1 out of Kenosha Wisconsin, prayers go out to you all! Remember the gift of knowing this great individual! Salute to you and thank you for your service!
Brian and Diane Boehm says
Daine and I are saddened by Richards passing. We will CELEBRATE his life in remembering what he meant to his professional vocation, his faith and his sincere and selfless acts of volunteerism to so many youths within the Boy Scouts of America organization. Rich was precise and professional with his words, his actions and his devotion to various causes.
So honored to have known you, Rich. Peace in Heaven my friend!
Brian and Diane Boehm