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Howard Wayne Ross

VIROQUA, Wis. — Howard Wayne Ross, 76, of Viroqua died early Thursday morning, July 17, 2008, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse.

He was born March 19, 1932, in La Crosse to Robert M. Ross and Eva (Oliver) Ross-Springborn. On June 16, 1956, he married Betty Lawrence at the EUB Church in Ontario, Wis. The couple farmed in Retreat, Wis., and Howard also owned and operated a bulk oil station there. In 1968, they moved to Railroad Avenue and continued to farm, milking and raising tobacco. Howard also worked for Ed Kramer Bridge Crew as a crane operator, Vernon County Highway Shop and also hauled for the Amish. Needless to say, Howard always had something to do. Howard served on the Vernon County Board for one year, was a member of the Farm Unity Program in the 1980s and was a member of the Viroqua Eagles Club Aerie 2707. After retirement, Howard and Betty wintered in Texas for the past 15 years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Howard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Ross of Viroqua; two sons, Ricky (Sabrina) Ross of West Salem and Royal (Barbara) Ross of Viroqua; five grandchildren, Tristan, Austin and Alejandrina Ross of West Salem and Michaela and Jacinda Ross of Viroqua; a sister, Ardis Stilwell of Retreat, rural De Soto, Wis.; Helen (Ernie) Engen of Stoddard, Wis.; a brother, Gale (Sandra) Ross of Holmen, Wis.; nieces and nephews; and other relatives, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Layne Stilwell; and a nephew, Robert “Bobby” Stilwell.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 21, at Viroqua United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ethan Larson officiating. Burial will take place in Viroqua Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at Thorson-Reetz Funeral Home, Viroqua, where there will be a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. and Monday, July 21, at the church from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.thorson-reetz.net.