Betty Root

Betty Root, 87, lifelong Superior resident, died Monday, February 7, 2011 at St. Francis Home in the Park.

She was born on July 1, 1923 in Superior to John and Ella Anna (Fischer) Beetcher.

She graduated from the former East High School and she attended the former Superior Vocational School.

Betty was in charge of gasoline rationing in Superior during World War II.

She married Erling Root on January 7, 1949 in Superior and celebrated twenty-three years of marriage before he passed away on March 17, 1972.

She was a single mom from the point of her husband’s passing. She was a hard working mom and was a champion for many causes in the Superior area.

Betty was employed in the Women’s Department of the former Grants Store, the University of Wisconsin-Superior bookstore and later she was the transportation coordinator for the Aging Resource Center.


She was a lifetime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Superior and she enjoyed baking, particularly breads.

Betty is survived by two daughters, Beryl (Peter) Pantaleo, New York, NY, Candace (Scott) Fitzgerald, Superior; one son, Ronald (Laurie) Root, Superior; nine grandchildren, Rachelle (Brian) Johnson, Rochester, MN, Kristopher Fitzgerald, Anoka, MN, Ryan Root, Mitch Root, Lars Root, Lucy Root, Leonardo Root, all of Superior, Elizabeth Pantaleo, and Andrew Pantaleo, both of New York, NY; three great-grandchildren, Gracelyn and Estelle Fitzgerald and Scott Johnson.

In addition to her husband Erling, Betty was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Nona Knowles.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service on Friday, February 11, 2011 in Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor David Schoessow, officiating.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.