James Orville Ross

JAMES ORVILLE ROSS, age 80, of Waseca passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Minneapolis VA Medical Center. 

Born on August 7, 1943 in Waseca, James was the son of Orville and Ruth (Lau) Ross. He attended Waseca Public Schools. In 1967 he was drafted into the United States Army. As part of this service, he fought in the Vietnam War where he was awarded many service medals, two Purple Hearts and was later honorably discharge. He was united in marriage to Sandra Matz on August 24, 1968, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. They later divorced but continued to raise their children together. 

James worked for the City of Waseca as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement after 33 years. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Waseca Fire Department for over 22 years. James was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed playing cards, watching old western movies and the Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He especially loved watching his grandkids at their sporting events and other activities. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, VFW Post #1642, and American Legion Post #228. He was a loving dad, grandpa, and great grandpa who will be dearly missed. 

James is survived by his children, Charlie (Irma) Ross of Waseca, Thomas (Jennifer) Ross of Waseca, Audra (Brandon) Ryan of Waseca; fourteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, sister, Diane (Fred) Ventura of Owatonna; and many other relatives. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Orville Ross; son, Douglas Ross; and brother, Gary Ross.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. Michael Grannis officiating. Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery.