WARRENS - Orlin John Root age 85 of Warrens WI, (formerly of Milwaukee WI) passed away On Sunday October 3, 2021, at his home with family and friends after fighting a long courageous battle from cancer.
He was born on January 26, 1936, on the family farm in Monroe County, Tomah WI to Gail W. Root and Helen Bertha Marie Root (Bartels). Orlin graduated from West Division High School in Milwaukee WI, but he always attended class reunions with his friends from Tomah High School class of 1955.
Orlin enlisted in the army after graduation in 1955 he was given a hardship leave on January 15, 1956, after a house fire the took the lives of his siblings. Orlin fulfilled his Army contract by enlisting in the army reserves 84th division.
Orlin married Yvonne Rae Reill on August 8, 1959, at Trinity Evangelical Church in Milwaukee WI, they were married for 30 years until her unexpected death on May 23, 1995. Orlin worked for Harley Davidson for 32 years as a CNC Operator Union Steward and Sergeant of Arms until his retirement in 1998. Orlin enjoyed fishing, camping, riding his Harley and listening to Bob Uecker on the radio broadcasting the Milwaukee Brewers baseball games. You could find Orlin on Sundays watching a race or football game with a can of beer and a large bowl of popcorn. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him were blessed with his sense of humor and wisdom.
Orlin is survived by two sons, Orlin J Root Jr, of Lacrosse WI, Lance A Root of Sparta WI, and daughter, Kimberly A Smith (Root) of Berlin WI; Very special friend and partner, Jean Vanderboom of Venice FL; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; half-sister Verlaine Millard (Erickson) of Evansville IND; and half niece Ellen Millard of Evansville IND; and many friends and relatives.
Orlin was preceded in death by his Wife, Yvonne R Root; daughter Valice Marie Cotton (Root); father Gail W Root; mother Helen Bertha Marie Erickson (Bartels); sisters Karen Lulu Root and Ellen Lavon Root; brother David Dean Root; and Half-sister Joyce Gail Root.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Claudia Deede will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
