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BORN
1955
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
4800 S Minnesota Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Ross Crist Obituary
In 1996 Ross established Crist Orthodontics in Sioux Falls and through the years expanded in to multiple facilities including an office in Yankton.
Surviving are his wife, Lisa Crist of Sioux Falls, two sons, Jace (Whitney) Crist and their children Maylin and Brockdan of Bennington, NE and Austin (Sarah) Crist and their children Teegan and Hannah of Sioux Falls. Also surviving are four brothers, Ray (Pat) Crist in Colorado, Paul (Chris) Crist in Ohio, Bruce (Sue) Crist in Georgia and Mark (Trish) Crist in Nebraska along with a sister Sally (Dave) Seier in Colorado.
Preceding Ross in death were his parents.
Because of Covid-19 family and friends are requested to wear masks while attending the visitation and service.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday, July 20th at the Church of St. Michael in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 1-3 pm with a Scripture Service at 3 pm.
Mr. Crist's Funeral Mass on Monday, July 20, will be live-streamed using Zoom. Please see the detail below to log on to watch simultaneously as the Mass takes place.
Heritage Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Ross Crist Funeral
Time: Jul 20, 2020 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98406789414
Meeting ID: 984 0678 9414
Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.heritagesfsd.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ross Crist
Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls.
DeAnn Richter
July 16, 2025
Ross was a classy fun man He was great at diving I can’t believe he is gone He was such an intelligent kind fun man It was a pleasure to work with him I bet he was a great dentist
Justin Wallin
December 7, 2022
Thank you Dr. Crist. Thank you for caring. Thank you for your enthusiasm for life. Thanks to you and your staff for giving me my confidence back by helping me straighten my teeth. I no longer hide my smile. May God bless your family.
DeAnn Richter
August 6, 2022
I worked with Ross many years ago when we both lifeguarded at the YMCA You could not find a better guy. So sorry to hear of his loss! DeAnn Richter
Dave Dunning
August 2, 2020
May the peace that surpasses understanding bless you, Lisa, and your family. Ross touched the lives of many patients and students over the years through his generosity, time and talents. He will be greatly missed.
Scott & Dianne Parker
July 29, 2020
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of a great friend. Ross and I grew up together in Scottsbluff, NE and were involved in Boy Scouts together and received our Eagle Scout award at the same time. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Teresa Robson
July 28, 2020
RIP Ross
Wanda Claro-Woodruff
July 24, 2020
You could sense that Dr. Crist was a person extraordinaire when he walked into a room. He exuded friendliness, grace, confidence, dignity and humbleness. I knew him very briefly through professional orthodontic organizations and found him to be quite engaging, present, sincere and memorable as a leader, professional and person. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends - we have lost a great presence!
Mark Hegert
July 22, 2020
So sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May God be with you.
Lisa Moehlenhoff
July 22, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to Lisa, Austin, Jace and families. Ross was one of a kind. He will be missed!
Dan & Kim Johnson
July 22, 2020
lisa, Austin & Jace, we were stunned and saddened to read about Ross’ passing. He was such a good guy and so easy to like. He will be well remembered and missed by all of us who were fortunate to have known him. Our prayers and thoughts for the Crist family.
Jim Grabouski
July 20, 2020
Ross and I walked a similar path. Graduated from Nebraska, worked as general dentists in western Nebraska, and went back to Ortho school with a wife and kids......piece of cake! Our last trip with him was an unforgettable cruise to Alaska while he was President of the MSO. He was always upbeat and inclusive. He worked so hard to be the best orthodontist and I know that heaven is rewarding him for his service to family, friends, colleagues and his faith. See you soon, my friend!
Ross with his shopping entourage in St. Thomas.
Paula Harre
July 20, 2020
Ive known Ross since dental school. We got reacquainted when we both taught at the dental college in the early 90s, then again when we both served on the MSO board. Dan and I have loved the many fun times we have shared with Ross and Lisa over the years, he will never be forgotten.
Minnie Vishwanath
July 20, 2020
I knew Dr. Crist for a (regrettably) short time as the newest member of the faculty at UNMC. However, whenever at the college he always made it a point to reach out to me and make my day with his kind words and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you (the family of this remarkable person) during this difficult time. Wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time.
Tom Stark
July 20, 2020
Ross was one of my all time favorite people! I loved to sit by him at meetings and be consumed by his joy, other-centeredness and zest for living. Everyone felt better, just by being in his presence! Lisa, Austin and Jace, it is my hope and prayer that the many wonderful memories you have of your dear husband and dad, the love and support of your family and friends, and the Great Assurance that he now resides in Eternal Paradise help to comfort you and soften the edges of your grief. Sending love, hugs and prayers...
Theresa Stahl
July 20, 2020
I was one one of Dr. Crist's oldest patients (50s). He told me I wasn't even close to the 85 year old though. I will be forever grateful for all the kindness, respect, humor and care he showed while he was fixing my UGLY teeth to end with a smile to be proud of. I don't know why God called him home so early. Maybe Heaven needed a Great orthodontist! Maybe Husker nation was getting too loud! To the world, he may have been just one man. To me and my smile, he was the world!
General Ross getting the troops ready for another tailgate season
Tom Greco
July 20, 2020
Ross was one of the co-founders of our special group of huskers called Husketeers and great memories of Ross with his headset radio and trademark hat and cigar telling us what was happen by the roll of eyes that a good or bad play was happening before we saw it on TV. Lisa, Jace and Austin Ross will be dearly missed and prayers and thoughts are with you as long as we have the tailgate he will be there helping set it up behind the scenes
Rich and Tammy Allen
July 19, 2020
Lisa, Austin and Jace, we were so saddened to hear the news that Ross had passed late last week. He was a GREAT man! He always lit up the room with his larger than life personality and had a special way of bringing out the best in people. He will be greatly missed, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marcia Bauer
July 19, 2020
I am sorry for your loss, Ross was always a kind, considerate person. My family lived in the same neighborhood, he was in my brothers class. It sounds as if he gave much to many in his life, May God be with you all during this difficult time.
Tom Vlach
July 19, 2020
Lisa and family - I still remember being altar server at your wedding. I was so honored! May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Gail McKenzie
July 19, 2020
Ross was a wonderful human being and his heart of gold was ever present... even when we were in high school. I am many, many cherished memories of Ross from high school and college. We were confidantes. I could always count on him to be there if I needed him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Randy Schmidt
July 19, 2020
Lisa and family, I'm deeply saddened by Ross's passing. Ross and I were next-door neighbors our entire childhoods and were great friends. It seems like any thoughts of growing up always include Ross as there was no end to the things we did together. I didn't see Ross after he left Torrington but I always knew he would have an amazing career and family. He will be missed by all he touched. I loved him like a brother.
Prem Premaraj
July 19, 2020
Dr. Crist was a kind human being, great teacher and Orthodontist. We are eternally grateful for Dr. Crist's support to UNMC's Orthodontic program. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time, especially Lisa.
Gwen Lease
July 19, 2020
Lisa and family. Thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss.
Monte & Melody McMurtry
July 19, 2020
Our deepest sympathy in Rosss' passing. I have found memories of growing up with Ross. Our prayer of comfort, peace and guidance go out to the entire family. May God Bless.
Bob Schoettger
July 19, 2020
Dear Lisa and boys, Our hearts are so heavy down here in Lincoln after hearing of Ross's passing. As a classmate, colleague, and dear friend, there was none finer than Ross. The twinkle in his eye and enthusiasm for life will never be forgotten.
Joe Vargo
July 19, 2020
It is with great sadness that I have lost a true friend! Ross and I were roommates for many years in West Virginia during graduate school. He was in my wedding and we shared the highs and lows of life. Our class was small (3) and he was like the older brother I had wished for when younger. I will miss him deeply and sad that I never got to say goodbye. My deepest sympathy to Lisa and their boys!
Joe Vargo
Mike Kunkel
July 18, 2020
Simply one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Michele Sayre
July 18, 2020
I was blessed to be one of the original Crist Orthodontic family members!! He changed my life....as he did many others.. one smile at a time.
Ed Sheeran sings it best " and when God takes you back we'll sing Hallelujah your HOME!!"
God speed!
Mic
Dave Spier
July 18, 2020
My condolences to Ross's loved ones. We were Nebraska Farmhouse Fraternity brothers. As I recall, Ross was a junior and the fraternity social chairman when I pledged as a freshman in 1976. Ross liked people and people liked Ross. I was not surprised to read that since college days he continued to positively impact people. May happy memories of Ross be foremost in your mind as time goes on.
David, Jacki, Cassondra and Kendall Holland
July 18, 2020
Our deepest sympathy! Dr. Crist was an amazing person and how blessed we were to have had him as our orthodontist! Truly an amazingly talented man with a fantastic personality!!! Every time our daughters smile with those perfectly beautiful teeth we will think of Dr. Crist♥
Matt & Jolene Weinandt
July 18, 2020
Dr Crist, was a quality individual, many could learn from his compassion and bedside Manner. He will be missed. We were saddened to hear of his passing . Prayers go to the family!
Valerie Gtant
July 18, 2020
So sorry Lisa,Austin, and Jace. We have wonderful memories of my time working with Ross and your family s friendship. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Kathy Elgethun
July 18, 2020
Lisa, I was so sorry to read about Rosss passing. Im not sure if you remember me, but Terry and I met you and Ross at MCC. We had in common our love of golf, and Terry and Rosss love for the Huskers. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Peace and grace. Kathy Elgethun
Jill Schuneman
July 18, 2020
We loved Ross and our conversations. They would range from profound to instructional to hilarious. Never a better time than sharing ideas and learning Ross viewpoints. And his Husker jokes were so great! We will miss him.
All our sympathies and love, Lisa.
Jill and Bill
Bruce Whitacre
July 18, 2020
My deepest sympathies to Ross's family, friends, and all the many people he touched. We were fraternity brothers in FarmHouse, and he was the leading light in our pledge class and throughout his undergraduate years. I will never forget his passion, intelligence, love of people, and charisma. May you all find peace and comfort at this time. Bruce Whitacre
Shelly Leither
July 18, 2020
I was so sorry to hear that Ross died Lisa. I don't know if you will remember me but I am thinking you might. We had some fun times at St. Therese. I can remember what a great couple you were and a great team. You have crossed my mind so often as I walk your old neighborhood and go past your previous home and the office that Ross had on the east side. Prayers for you and your family Lisa.
Wayne and Roni Kay Brown
July 18, 2020
Dear Lisa,
Gods Word in Psalm 116 tells us this is a precious time in Heaven. There is a time of joyful reunion when one of His saints goes home. May this assurance bring comfort to you and Austin and Jace and their families.
There are gigantic holes in your hearts. They are full of pain mingled with hope. Our prayer is that the holes will begin to be filled and over-flow with your treasured memories.
Ross was a One of a kind guy. We are so thankful for the delight and privilege of calling him friend. His legacy will last through generations to come. He will be missed!
Jodi Salvatori
July 17, 2020
So sorry to hear this. My 4 daughters have beautiful smiles because of Dr Crist and his staff. My second oldest daughter Danielle was accepted into the dental hygiene school at UNMC and I know a big part of her getting in was because of Dr Crists letter of recommendation. He was a great orthodontist and always wanted to make sure the parent and patient knew and understood the reason and process for everything! We were very blessed to have him. May he rest In Peace.❤❤
Nichole Cauwels
July 17, 2020
You will be missed. My sympathies to the Crist family.
Tiffany Paulson
July 17, 2020
Our deepest sympathy Lisa & family! Sending our love, hugs & prayers across the miles. ❤ Tiffany Paulson & family
Sheela Premaraj
July 17, 2020
Dr.Crist is such a nice human being with his smily face. He was a kind teacher.
He showed such an enthusiasm in teaching our residents at College of Dentistry at University of Nebraska Medical Center. His soul will forever remain in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time, specially Lisa. May he rest in peace in heaven- Sheela, College of Dentistry.
Nancy Wenande
July 17, 2020
He was instrumental in changing our kids lives; especially with Courtneys jaw surgery. He was a fine man who cared deeply for his patients. Prayers to his family.
July 17, 2020
Love Dr. Crist, such a wonderful person! My thoughts are with him and his family.
Alex Woods
July 17, 2020
I am deeply saddened to hear about Rosss death. Ross definitely changed my life for the better. One of my first memories of him was when my mother and I were in his office discussing plans for what to do with my unique and messed up teeth. During that visit Dr. Christ sat beside me and explained exactly what was so challenging about my case. During his explanation I could see the fire in his eyes and the passion he put behind his work. Ross might not have known it at the time but this conversation sparked curiosity in me as to why someone would find dental work so fascinating. This immediately piqued my interest and I began to explore a career in dentistry. As I continued to explore this, I started to understand his fascination. Not only is there an incredible amount of precision and attention to detail, but there is a want and a need to help others. Every time I was in his office he was cheerful and happy and I always enjoyed our conversations and visits. Ross was a large part of my personal statement when I applied to UNMCs College of Dentistry. Earlier this year, I was ecstatic to find out I was accepted to the College of Dentistry. While I know I will face a tough few years ahead, I hope that someday I will be able to inspire someone in the same way Ross inspired me. If I am able to practice with half the passion and integrity that Ross was able to provide me I know I can changes lives for the better.
Mary and Jasen Clark
July 17, 2020
So sorry for your loss, Dr Crist treated both of our children with braces, he was an amazing Dr! Our children were always comfortable with him, when they would go for a 15 min appt and come out 45 min later, we would say "we got overhauled!" And laugh because he always did what was right for our children! Our son was a challenging case and he always said he wished he would have documented more thoroughly his case as he should have written it up! At the end he laughed and said now he is costing me money, but Dr Crist never asked for another penny. He will be sorely missed. He will always live on through all the children's smiles that are THE BEST because of his treatments.
Renae & Rachel Lamberty Lamberty
July 17, 2020
I'm so so sad we just loved him. He was FANTASTIC. Excellent orthodontist and was so kind to invite us to his gathering. Your the best EVERYONE IN HEAVEN WILL LOVE YOU
Lori Dubisar
July 17, 2020
Lisa and family! My deepest sympathy to you all! Although it was unfortunate circumstances that our paths crossed, I am blessed to have met you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Go Huskers!
Lori Dubisar, OT
Shelby Rolfs
July 17, 2020
I would like to say my deepest sympathy to the family first off. Dr Crists will be truly missed. I wouod like to say thank you for being such a great orthodontists and fixing all my stuff I did for me especially for fixing my jaw to be the way it became so I didnt have to have the surgery. For how my braces worked for me, how he tried all he did to make each part of my orthodontist work for me a HUGE thank you!! I am very sorry again. I will always remember what he did for me. he will be missed.
Sherena Kost
July 17, 2020
Deepest sympathies to Ross Crist family.
Jody Jaques
July 17, 2020
Thinking and praying for you and and your family at this time. He was a kind man and my children always felt welcomed when visiting the orthodontist office.
Gena Clendening
July 17, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to your family. My son was born with a cleft lip & palate and was a patient of Dr. Crist. He was such a kind, talented and caring man and orthodontist. RIP Dr. Crist!!
Robb & Amber Lindner
July 17, 2020
Heaven gained a wonderful soul on July 16th. Ross will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies go out to Lisa and family.
Dr Janell Christiansen
July 17, 2020
Dear Family : You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of the loss of your special loved one. He will be greatly missed by all.
Kim Parrott
July 17, 2020
Lisa, Lots of good memories, but not enough to make it any easier. You guys became like extended family when you moved to Torrington. It was hard enough when you moved back to NE, but our families did their best to stay in touch. Ross was not only a friend, but a true mentor and example of someone who would do whatever was needed to help someone out. His faith, family and friends meant the most to him. He will be dearly missed.
Hugs to you and the family
Blaine and Kimb
Kristi Rodekohr
July 17, 2020
Ross was such a loving man with an amazing heart. He always had a way to make people smile. My heart breaks for you Lisa! Your family has been a blessing and such an important part of my life! Austin & Jace have followed in their dad's footprints and share so much of him. The memories in Torrington with your family will always be a favorite! May the love of friends and family carry you through this very difficult time. Love you! Kristi
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Jul
20
Service
10:30 a.m.
Church of St. Michael
Mr. Crist's Funeral Mass on Monday, July 20, will be live-streamed using Zoom. Heritage Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Ross Crist Funeral Time: Jul 20, 2020 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98406789414 Meeting ID: 984 0678 9414, Sioux Falls, SD
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Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls4800 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
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