Arthur W. Root

Arthur “Artie” Wilson Root, Jr., age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in the comfort of his own home after a lengthy illness.

Art was born December 12, 1944 in Webster Springs, West Virginia to Arthur Wilson Root, Sr. and Sadie Ellen (Barber) Root. He was a friendly fixture at the Dahl’s Grocery Store on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines where he worked as a baker for over 40 years. Art loved working with his hands and his hobbies included refinishing furniture, woodworking, gardening, and yard work. He also enjoyed going to flea markets.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Pam; children, Loretta Root, Bobby Root (fiancée, Crissy Brooks), John (Judy) Norris, and Julie (Michael) Henry; grandchildren, Vincent (Jenny), Kasandra (Steven), Aubree, Isabella, Mataya (Jamil), Joey, Jacob, and Malik; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Annabelle, Ryan, Anthony, Mason, and Zaire; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Sadie Root; sisters, Vickie, Peggy, and Becky; and his brother, Jimmy.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021, also at Hamilton’s, and will conclude with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank the staff and aides at Kindred Hospice for their loving care of Art. In appreciation of their compassion and professionalism, memorial contributions may be directed to them via Kindred at Home, 6200 Aurora Avenue, Suite 100E, Urbandale, IA 50322.

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