Donald Fredrick Root

Donald Fredrick Root was born December 11, 1943, to Bill and Ethel (Green) Root. He passed away from complications of dementia on January 3, 2026.

Don was a graduate of Whitehall High School in 1962, and lived in the Whitehall/Lakewood area all his life. In 1980, he married his best friend, the former Kimba Aue, together they raised 4 children. Don was many things to many people; he retired from Sealed Power in 1993, was a Master Electrician, Singer/Songwriter, Inventor, and he loved to tell stories-some he may have made up.

In his early years he was in the band 'Paul and the Shan-Don's' with Shannon Popps and Paul King -they recorded a 45. Don then proceeded to take the next step of his musical career, starting a family band consisting of his 3 older children, playing many events. He passed down the love of music to all 4 of his children and his grandchildren.

Like his father, he taught the electrical trade to his sons, grandson, great-grandson, son-in-law and nephew. Don loved many games and would make up rules as you played along to stack the odds in his favor. Many of those rules still hold true today, when the grandson's whooped him in basketball, he made them shoot left-handed and when that failed, he came up with new rules. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending many days on the river in Ferry and the Upper Peninsula. He was also an active lifelong member of the Fox Lake Rod and Gun Club. Everyone has found memories of the annual Labor Day Camp out on the river.

Don loved the Village of Lakewood Club, so much so that he and a few others were instrumental in Lakewood Club becoming incorporated in 1967. Over the years he served as the ordinance enforcer, animal control officer, fireman, building and electrical inspector, and served on the board as a trustee and as President. In the late 80's-early 90's he single-handedly went to every home to gather signatures to get cable and natural gas to the area, assisted with getting the new village hall built.

After retirement, Don and Kimba traveled the US and spent many winters in California with best friends Mary and Jerry Kilmer and later Marco Island, Florida. The family spent many summers on the North Branch of the White River in Ferry and property on Marquette Island in Cedarville Michigan. Don was also known as an inventor, always trying to come up with the next greatest thing. He wrote many original songs and would play them for anyone who would listen.

Don is survived by: his lifetime partner, Kimba Root of Lakewood Club; 2 sons, Jeff (Carla) Root of Lakewood and Jerry (Lorraine) Root of Lakewood; 2 daughters, Renee (Eric) Richards of Montague and Sylvia (Nick) Lebbert of Lakewood; 3 siblings, Jerry (Nancy) Root of Escanaba, Roz (Bill) Davis of Whitehall, and Debbie (Hank) Houtteman of Lakewood; 17 grandchildren, Cristy, Cainan, Spencer (Jamie), Anthony (Heather), Serena, Charlie (Stephanie), Jonathan (Karie), Sarah, Grace, LeAnna, Adrianna, and Devin (Michelle); 26 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 3 special nephews he took in like his own, Robert and Shawn Inman and Justin Carr; and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Lakewood Garden Club.

A celebration of life will take place at Lakewood Park on June 6th 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com