Root, Emmett D. 1910-1978

ROOT, STARKENBURG, WRAY

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/15/2022 at 08:03:53

From the Alton Democrat, August 30, 1978:

Emmet Root, 68, of Bellflower, California, formerly of Alton, passed away August 26. Fred Starkenburg, Garrett Starkenburg, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Starkenburg, and Mrs. Allie Brouwer of Emmetsburg, Iowa left Monday to attend the funeral. Mr. Root is survived by his wife Dorothy, formerly Dorothy Starkenburg, and two children.

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RESEARCH NOTES

His FindaGrave.com page has Emmett D. Root, born 15 Sep 1910, died 27 Aug 1978, buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress, Orange County, California. Wife Dorothy L. Starkenburg Root (1917-2006), married 1940. One child listed: Carrie Rae (1941-1941). There is a photo of his headstone.

Their marriage certificate has groom Emmett Root, age 29, resident of Alton, Iowa, occupation day laborer on railroad, born Richards, Colorado, parents James Root and Irene Wray; bride Dorothy Lena Starkenburg, age 24, resident of Alton, born in Bigelow, Minn., parents Sjoerd Starkenburg and Catharine Van Laar; married in Nassau Township, Sioux County, June 28, 1940.

His World War II draft registration card (undated but 1940 or 1941) has Emmett Root, age 29, birth date Sept. 15, 1911; employed by the Alton Cement Works; race white, eyes blue, hair brown, complexion light; no height or weight given.

By the time of the 1950 census, and per 1951 news notes in the Alton Democrat, he was foreman at the Alton Cement Works. In 1950 he and Dorothy had two children, Sharon K. (7) and James E. (3).

By 1960 they were living in Bellflower, California. A Bellflower city directory for 1961 shows him working for the Pacific Mountain Express Company.