Michael John Ross

Michael "Mike" Ross, age 89, of Cottage Grove, MN passed away surrounded by family on November 4, 2024.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 8694 80th Street S.; Cottage Grove, MN with visitation beginning at 10 AM. All are invited to a luncheon following service. Interment will follow with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN.

Mike was born on November 14, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN to John and Bess Ross. He grew up in South Minneapolis and attended Washburn High School. He joined the Marines following high school and served from 1951-1955 stationed at Charlie Block during the Korean War. Following his military service he attended Dunwoody College. Mike met the love of his life, Sharon and they were married in April of 1960 and lived in Grand Rapids for a few years before moving to St. Paul. Mike and Sharon moved to Cottage Grove in 1978 to raise their family: Mike, Greg and Susan Most of his career was working as electrical superintendent at Schmidt Brewery. Mike earned his Bachelor Degree in Human Services at Metro State at the age of 43.

Mike loved three things: the Catholic Church, the US Marine Corps and our mother. His passions were airplanes, football and hockey. He coached Bantum and PeeWee leagues and felt hockey should be an outdoor sport. Mike also enjoyed volunteering at The VA Hospital in Mpls even earning over 3000 hours over his time there. He also helped as a volunteer at "Planes of Fame". He loved his family and would have done anything for anyone who needed help. Michael was a deeply spiritual and a profound believer in God's love and the Catholic Church. He believed that we should all model the love Christ shows us by being kind to each other.

Mike is survived by children Gregory (Pam) Ross; daughter Susan (Dan Boerner) Ross; grandson Jordan (Hayley) Ross and siblings Betsy Nelson; Jim Ross and Cally (Chuck) Ackland. He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon, son Michael David and brother-in-law Edwin Nelson.