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ROSS, John Joseph 1929-2016

ROSS, MALLERY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/6/2016 at 13:28:36

John Joseph Ross

Died January 5, 2016

U.S. Veteran

John Joseph Ross, age 86, of Osage, Iowa, died Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 8, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 702 State Street, Osage, Iowa. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Osage Cemetery with military honors at the grave by Osage American Legion Post 278.

Memorials may be directed to American Legion Hawkeye Boys State or the American Legion of Iowa Foundation.

John Joseph Ross, the son of Fred and Clara (Mallery) Ross was born January 27, 1929, in Rochester, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1948, and in the active Navy Reserve through 1953.

John married Ramona M. Ross on November 28, 1948, and they were blessed with four children, John D., Donald, Marlena, and Mark. He worked at White Farm Equipment in Charles City, Iowa and retired from there as Plant Superintendent. After his retirement, John’s new passion was his involvement in the American Legion. He served in all levels – Post, District, State, and National. John had 46 continuous years of membership in the American Legion. He served as 4th District Commander 1998-1999, Department Vice Commander 2000-2001, and as Department Commander 2003-2004.

On the national level, John served as Alternate National Executive Committeeman 2005-2009 and as National Executive Committeeman 2009-2013. John also served as President of Board of Directors for American Legion Hawkeye Boys State 2003-2004 and several years as Boys State counselor. John, in his younger years, was an avid stock car driver. He also enjoyed golfing and traveling the country to fulfill his Legion duties.

He also had a great love for growing beautiful flowers in his yard. Beyond all of his achievements, John was a tremendous father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A humble man by nature, however when it came to his family, he was more than proud to boast about his loved ones. This part of his legacy will live on with his family.

John is survived by his special friend, Betty McCarthy, who has been by his side for 21 years, and traveled with him over the years during his Legion service. Betty was also a loving caregiver for John during his extended illness which was greatly appreciated by his family.

John is also survived by his loving family: son, John D. (Paula) Ross of Orchard, Iowa; son, Don Ross of Osage, Iowa; daughter, Marlena (John “BJ”) Olson of Osage, Iowa; and son, Mark Ross of Osage, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Heather (RJ) Besch, Jeff (Keri) Olson, Joleen Scharper (Ben Buttjer), John W. (Kelly) Ross, Dylan Ross, Emily Ross, Eric (Emmalee) Ross, and Christine (Jake) Hatchfield; 13 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Kathleen Lewis of Austin, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Jim.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home (641)732-3706

Source: Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home website


 

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