Jeremy Root

Lake City - Jeremy Keith Root, of Lake City passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy rooted deeply in nature, knowledge, and music. He was 53.

He was born on October 31, 1972, in Cadillac, to Jerry and Janice (Dean) Root. Jeremy was a graduate of Manton High School in 1991 and was making his living working with the Lear Corporation in Traverse City.  As an earthy soul with a quiet intensity, Jeremy moved through life with curiosity in his heart and the outdoors beneath his feet.  He had a profound love for the environment and found peace wherever nature could be felt - in the woods, along a shoreline, or simply beneath an open sky. Jeremy had a keen eye for rock hunting, always able to spot a hidden treasure among the ordinary. He also delighted in the simple magic of finding four-leaf clovers, small symbols of luck that seemed to follow his patient and observant spirit.

A devoted student of history, Jeremy carried a deep thirst for knowledge. He appreciated ancestry and the stories of those who came before us, understanding that the present is shaped by the past. He could spend hours immersed in books or conversation, exploring historical events, ancient civilizations, classic cars, and the connections that bind generations together. His interest in astrology reflected his fascination with the greater universe and humanity’s place within it.

Music was another of Jeremy’s great loves. Eclectic in taste and rich in appreciation, he valued decades of sound - from classic rock and folk to lesser-known gems that spoke to his unique spirit. He didn’t just listen to music; he experienced it, understanding its history, its meaning, and its power to connect people across time. Jeremy’s life was defined by appreciation - for the earth, for knowledge, for music, and for the quiet wonders that many overlook.

Though he has departed from this earthly plane, his spirit lives on in the forests, in the stones he cherished, in the songs he loved, and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.  Leaving behind his beloved family, his parents, Jerry and Janice Root; his sister, Julie Root of Marshall; his brother, James (Nicole) Root; his nieces and nephews, Justis (Bethiana), Briana (Casey), Liam, Skyler (Abigail), Ian, and Seth; his grandmother, Geraldine Dean; as well as many other cherished friends and family members.  He was preceded in death by his nephew, Miles Root.

Interment and graveside services will take place in the spring at Haring Township Cemetery near Cadillac. A memorial for family and friends will be planned during this summer's Root reunion. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.HoldshipFuneralHomes.com    The family is being served by the Young-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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