Daniel R. Ross

Daniel Robert Ross passed away on April 5, 2023, at the age of 75. Dan was the loving father of Melissa Sauter (David) and the very proud grandfather of Ross and Riley. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Ross, of Galesburg IL.
Dan was born in Galesburg, IL on May 10, 1947, to the late Martha Dee Burkholder and Alva Leon Ross. He graduated from Galesburg High School where he was a proud member of their basketball team. He attended Knox College before enlisting in the Navy, where he worked in Naval Intelligence with assignments in Hawaii and Washington, D.C. After his honorable discharge in 1970, Dan returned to Galesburg, IL with his first wife Susan. He spent time working for Burlington Northern Railroad before relocating to Macomb, IL to resume college courses at Western Illinois University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business with a major in marketing.
While in his senior year at WIU, Dan was hired as an intern with the Bower Roller Bearing Facility, a division of Federal-Mogul Corporation, where he learned about manufacturing. After graduation he accepted a full-time job with Federal-Mogul. Over the next twenty years he went on to assume roles with increasing responsibility, ultimately becoming an elected officer of the corporation.
After his time with Federal-Mogul, Dan served as a leader with several other organizations including Ralph Wilson Holdings, Troy Companies, Freudenberg-NOK and Tuthill Pump Group. Throughout his career Dan served as a great mentor to many, including his daughter Melissa to whom he provided business support and advice up until his final days.
Prior to moving to White Lake, Michigan, Dan was a longtime resident of Birmingham, Michigan. He also spent many years living in Chicago with his second wife Marcia. He enjoyed the city and all that it had to offer. Dan loved to play golf and, above all else, cherished spending time with his family and friends. His love and pride for his grandson, Ross and granddaughter, Riley was immeasurable. Dan was also an animal lover and supporter of many animal rescue organizations over the years.
To celebrate Dan's life, a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 12:30pm with visitation beginning at 10:00am at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (between 13-14 Mile), Royal Oak. Memorial tributes may be made to Feline Fund: online at https://felinefund.org/ or via mail to Feline Fund 22530 Napier Road Novi, MI 48374.