Tyler Joseph Root

Tyler was born Sept. 26, 1990, in Swartz Creek, Mich., to Robert and Theresa Root. He was raised in Swartz Creek where he attended elementary and middle school, performed at the Flint Youth Theatre, and was a member of Resurrection Reformed Church youth group. At 14, he moved with his parents to the Garden Peninsula in the U.P. of Michigan, and attended Big Bay de Noc School where he participated in soccer, basketball, and drama. He was an active member of the Garden Congregational Church youth group. After high school, he joined Youth With A Mission and served in Alaska and Mongolia before returning home to earn his RN degree from Bay College. On June 8, 2013, Tyler married his high school sweetheart, Rosemarie Krehbiel. He was employed at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba and then Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique.

As a child, Tyler nearly died in a drowning accident. By the grace of God, he was revived and gifted with 25 more years. Like a good steward, he used these years well, pursuing God and loving those around him. He was a delightful brother and cousin. His easy, fun-loving personality enlivened family gatherings, especially the annual Savoie family reunion where his version of the campfire song “Pharaoh, Pharaoh” is a legend among his myriad of cousins. Tyler loved to work outdoors gardening and foraging. Over the years, he spent countless hours helping others with their gardens. His dream upon purchasing an old farm in Rapid River was to farm full-time and provide quality food for his family and his community.

He was loved and respected by the doctors and nurses he worked with and deeply appreciated by his patients who described him as “real and caring.” He was able to bring a smile to the sick and hurting with his ready humor and genuine empathy. Tyler was a loving father, who took the time to read to his children, to sing them to sleep, and faithfully taught them to love and obey God. He regretted deeply that he would not be there to see his little ones accept Jesus.

Tyler is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemarie; daughter, Niomi (5); sons, Asher (3) and Ezekiel (1); parents, Robert and Theresa Root of Manistique; siblings, Rebecca (Travis) Cross of Munising, Kimberly (John) Wright of Wetmore, Kelsey (Anthony) Prettenhofer of Brighton, Justin Root of Iron Mountain; parents-in-law, Philip and Pamela Krehbiel of Manistique; siblings-in-law, Moses (Lianna) Krehbiel, Adoree (Aaron) Freeland, Robin Krehbiel, Bill Krehbiel; 16 nieces and nephews, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is rejoicing in heaven with his grandparents, Donald and Joan Root, Philip and Rose Savoie; aunt, Patricia Root; and uncle, Phil Bryce.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. During Tyler’s battle with cancer, a Go-Fund-Me page was set up on behalf of Rose. If you would like to give a memorial gift, donations to that account would be a great blessing to Rose and the children. Visit: www.gofundme.com Search: Rosemarie Root.

The Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique and Garden is assisting the Root Family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at their website.