Lester Keith Root

LESTER KEITH ROOT, age 91 of Waseca died on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Colony Court in Waseca.

Born on December 17, 1932 in Waseca County, Minnesota, he was the son of Enoch and Irene (O’Riley) Root.  He attended school in rural Waseca County.   Lester proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War, serving on the USS Leyte from 1950 until 1953.   Lester met Minnie Oeltjenbruns on a blind date at a card party.  They married six months later in Mountain Lake, Minnesota on June 6, 1954.  

Lester worked for Herter’s and then the E.F. Johnson Co. in Waseca until his retirement.  He enjoyed spending time in his workshop (listening to classic country radio), where he could build, repair, or restore almost anything for family and friends including buggies and sleighs.  In addition to spending time with his family and watching his grandkids sporting events, Lester and Minnie enjoyed dancing, playing cards, fishing and traveling in their motor home throughout the United States.   Lester was a proud member of St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca and the Waseca American Legion and VFW.

He is survived by his wife, Minnie of Waseca; three children, Delwin (Sheryl) Root, Dawn Kraus, and Donna (Robert) Jorissen; four grandchildren, Jacob, Andrew, Ashley and Joshua; and six great grandchildren, Vivian, Owen, Dylan, Stella, Graham, and Leona.   He is also survived by siblings, Leona Wenzel, Leland Root, and Lyle (Sharon) Root.     He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Leta Clemons; and brothers, Lyndel and Lowell.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 from 4-7 PM at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca, and will continue for one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca.   Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a hospice facility of your choice.

Lester’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staffs of Colony Court and Mayo Clinic Hospice for their kindness and care for Lester.