Obituary for John A. Ross, Sr.

John A. Ross, Sr., of Stoddard, WI, lost a short battle with bladder cancer on Friday, December 17, 2021, his 71st birthday, while surrounded by his family. He was born on December 17, 1950, in La Crosse, WI, to Vernon and Elizabeth Ross. He attended elementary school at Clausen Country School on Chaseburg Ridge. During his sophomore year, the family moved to Bloomer, WI where they owned/operated the Birch Point Resort for 17 years. John graduated from Bloomer High School and immediately enlisted in the US Army. He completed his basic training at Fort Bragg, NC, and was called to serve his country for his next two years in the Vietnam War. He married Marianne Mikl, and they later divorced. Together they had three sons, John Jr., Jacob, and Jeremy. John helped manage and operate Birch Point Resort with his parents, in Bloomer. He also worked for Quality Egg. John later worked as a flooring installer until the family moved to the Stoddard, WI area. John then joined the Ironworkers Local 383 and completed his apprenticeship through WWTC in La Crosse. Over the next 30 years, he worked for various contractors on projects in Wisconsin, Georgia, Montana, the Dakotas, Iowa, and Minnesota. John later met and married Cathy Schaller after many years together; and they continued to reside in Stoddard, WI. He finished his ironworking career with New Mech Companies (Corval Group) where he worked with two of his brothers, three sons, and one nephew. John happily retired in 2009 at the age of 59, which allowed him and Cathy to enjoy hobbies of gardening, fishing, traveling, raising their dogs, and spending time with family and friends. He gratefully spent the last decade of his life doing what he loved most. He was active in his community and was always known to lend a hand. Not only did John proudly represent his country in time of war, but he continued to serve his fellow veterans as Commander for the Stoddard American Legion Post #315. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Cathy and his sons: John Ross, Jr. (Roxanne) and Jeremy Ross (Stacey). He leaves behind four grandsons: Jermyn Pedretti-Ross, Andrew Ross, Aleck Ross, and Landon Ross. He is additionally survived by his siblings: Roger Ross (Julie), Jim Ross (Alyce), Sarah Green (Matthew), and Kathy Kuhlow (Greg); his step-daughters: Lana Twite (Guff), Renee Deflorian (Mike), Leigh Goetzinger (Danny Burrow), Rhonda Sullivan (Tom); and his beloved pets Dottie, Hershey, and Tootsie. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Elizabeth Ross; sister, Carol Fleming; brothers, David Ross and Raymond Ross; son, Jacob Ross; granddaughter, Madisyn Pedretti-Ross; father-in-law, Donald Schanhofer; and mother-in-law Veronica (Ronnie) Schanhofer. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 8th at the American Legion in Stoddard, WI from 1:00-4:00 p.m. with a prayer service and military honors at 2:00 pm. A light lunch will be served. Masks are recommended. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stoddard American Legion Post #315.