Richard "Dick" Root

Richard M. Root, age 71, of Hastings, passed away at home February 18, 2018, after a long 2-year battle with lymphoma, surrounded by his family. Dick was born in the Spring Valley, MN area, grew up in a farming family, attended a one-room schoolhouse and participated in football, basketball, and track and field (his favorite). He got a BA degree in teaching from Winona State, taught PE and coached sports. He spent 2 3/4 years serving in the Army, stationed at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. He got a second degree in Math and started his career as an accountant, working for the firm he would later become part owner of, Rahn, Neisen and Root, CPA. Dick loved participating in many sports, especially golf, hiking and riding bikes on trails. He was a loving and caring man with all he met and knew. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Blanche Root. Dick is survived by his wife, Jewel; children, Jennifer (Jason) Schumacher, Erik Root, and Heidi (Robert) Miller; grandchildren, Tyler, Lucas Erynn, Isabel, and, Adalyn; sister, Linda (Thomas) Montgomery; nieces, nephews, and relatives. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday (2/28) at 11:00 AM at Resurrection United Methodist Church, 615 W. 15th St., Hastings. A gathering will be held on Tuesday (2/27) from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at Wise Family Funeral Home, 400 Spring St., Hastings, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Memorials preferred. Wise Family Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family. Visit WiseFamilyFH.com to sign the online tribute page and view the memorial video.