Obit: Ross, Eugene J. (1930 - 1997)


Contact: Linda Mertens
Email: mertens@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Ross, Gebert, Niemann-Ross, Brackus, Goshaw, Baumgartner, Saltz, Soto, Bach, Doberstein

----Source - Private Collection

Eugene J. Ross (29 Aug 1930 – 7 Sep 1997)

Eugene J. Ross, 67, died Sept.7, 1997, of a heart attack at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville.

Gene was born near Medford, Wis., Aug. 29, 1930. He graduated from Medford High School in 1948. Gene married Greta M. Gebert on July 25, 1956, and settled in Neillsville, Wis.

He worked on the Soo-Line Railroad before serving in the U.S. Army as an infantry and artillery mechanic during the Korean War 1951-1953. After working as an auto mechanic for several years, he opened and operated Gene Ross Auto Clinic from May 1, 1967, until Jan. 1, 1997, giving 30 years of service to the community.

He was a member of the Lion’s Club, serving as treasurer for many years; St. Mary’s Parish; Loyal Order of Moose; Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight from 1963 -1965; and Neillsville Men’s Club.

He earned his private pilot’s license in 1980. Gene enjoyed traveling, playing card, especially cribbage and sheepshead, and watching the Packers.

In addition to his beloved wife, Greta, Gene is survived by five children: Gary (Rose) Ross of Custer, Wis., Janell (Mark) Niemann-Ross of Portland, Ore., Connie Schwartz of Lakewood, Colo., Robert (Lisa) Ross of Appleton Wis., and Kathleen (Michael) Rusovick of Thornton, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; three brothers, James (Priscilla), Gerald (Bonnie) and Carroll (Marilyn) all of Stevens Point, Wis.; five sisters, Betty (Nick) Brackus of Boise, Idaho, Rite (Loren) Goshaw of South Milwaukee, Wis., Nancy Baumgartner of Stevens Point, Wis., Patricia (Tom) Saltz of Madison, Wis., and Karen (Ismael) Soto of Oconomowoc, Wis.

Gene was preceded in death by two infant daughters, Mary and Mary Ann; parents Christine Bach and Arthur Ross; sister Marie Doberstein; and brother William Ross.