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Obituary for Karen M. Root
Karen Smith Root of Milltown and Balsam Lake, WI died Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Her mailing address is P.O. Box 309, Milltown, WI 54858.
Karen was born January 21, 1956 in Chippewa Falls, WI to Douglas H. and Marilyn (Jinx Glasener) Smith. She attended school there, graduating from Chi Hi in 1974 after serving on the student council three years, and as president her senior year.
Karen grew up on skis, loved fishing and the out-of-doors. She was an avid Packer fan, trained by her dad! She attended Cottey College for Women, Neveda, Missouri, her freshman year, then transferred to U.W. Stout in Menomonie, WI majoring in Human Ecology (Home Economics). Summers found her waitressing in the Hayward area, where she met Jim Root. They were married in Chippewa Falls on June 25, 1977. They moved to Milltown, bought their first and only home, and fell in love with the community. Karen taught at the Polk County Adult Center, now called Endeavors Adult Center. She then managed the Video Vault in Milltown, and trained their other managers for many years. Upon leaving there, she worked as needed at Wise Guys, and for the village of Milltown as a volunteer. Her sense of humor and open heart will always be remembered.
Karen is survived by her mother, Marilyn (Jinx Glasener) Smith; sister, Traci (Erik) Anderson; nephews, Ky (Judy) Anderson, and Rees (Julie) Anderson and their children, Avory and Anfin Anderson, all of Chippewa Falls; Erik’s sisters, Kristi and Kari were part of her family as well. Other survivors are her aunt, Marilyn (Smith) Eckman of Holt, MI and her daughter, DeeAnn and son, David; her other cousins, Judy (Glasener) Sandstrom of Cable, WI, Ann Glasener (Ron) Yountz of Charlotte, N.C. and son, Nick, Mark (Sheri) Glasener and their children, Justin and Paige; step-brothers, Steph (Joyce) Playter, Matt (Angie) Playter; step-sisters, Anne (Doug Hayes) Playter, and Sue (David) Mubarak. She is also survived by her long-time friend and companion, Tom Suerth, a wonderfully loving caregiver. Many special friends will cherish her memory. Thanks to each one for their love and caring hearts.
Karen was preceded in death by her father, Doug; step-father, Steve; husband, James Root; uncles, Ken Eckman and Paul (Soapy) Glasener; and aunt, Sally Glasener.
In April, 2010 her illness began and she lived with chronic iron overload that affected her liver for the rest of her life. The family requests that memorials be sent to the charity of your choice or to one of the following:
Arnell Humane Society, 185 Griffin Street East, Amery, WI 54001
Open Door Clinic of Chippewa County at First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Central Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Half Moon Beach Park Beautification Project, P. O. Box 100, Milltown, WI 54858
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Karen’s Life on Saturday, April 27 from 3 to 7PM at the Milltown Community Center, 301 2nd Ave. Southwest, Milltown, WI. Please wear your favorite color! (Maybe blue or green.)
Cremains will be buried at a later date in the Milltown Cemetery next to Jim’s. They are together again in Heaven in the loving arms of God and the company of a lot of golfers and skiers.
Please return to these websites for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-472-2444. Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com or www.wicremationcenter.com.
Rowe Funeral Home of Luck and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown have been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
