Ross Eldred Pollock

Ross Eldred Pollock, 86, of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his home on December 7, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 12, 2026, at 1:30 PM at The United Methodist Church of Guttenberg, followed by a reception at The Marina's Visitor Center (715 S. Riverpark Drive).

Ross was born on April 12, 1939, to Ross and Elizabeth (Eldred) Pollock in Ann Arbor, Michigan. When Ross was an infant, his family relocated to Washington, D.C., where he spent most of his childhood and adolescent years. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1958 and went on to attend the Maine Maritime Academy, where he graduated as a Merchant Marine Officer in 1962. Ross proudly served as a U.S. Merchant Marine, beginning a lifelong career at sea. Ross worked on many different ships and made his way up to captain.

During his years of service, Ross met his first two wives while shipping overseas. He met his first wife, Irma, in Germany and lovingly adopted her two sons, Michael and Dave. Together, they welcomed four more boys: Ross, Daniel, John, and Roger. After their separation, Ross found love again with his second wife, Louise. They shared 29 years together, spending many of them in Staten Island, New York, before relocating to Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Louise passed away from cancer in 2006. Ross was blessed to find love a third time with Janet Wood, whom he married on April 24, 2010. Ross and Janet shared countless memories: traveling, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, attending their grandkids' sporting events, and doting on their beloved cats.

One of the defining chapters of Ross's maritime career occurred during the Vietnam War in 1975, when he served as 3rd Mate on the SS Pioneer Contender. As thousands of South Vietnamese civilians fled the advancing North Vietnamese forces, Ross and his U.S. Merchant Marine crew responded without hesitation. The Pioneer Contender rescued approximately 17,000 refugees, far exceeding the ship's intended capacity, but the crew made room for every soul in need. For his bravery and service during this humanitarian mission, Ross was personally recognized by the President of the United States Lines.

Following his service as a U.S. Merchant Marine, Ross worked ashore for U.S. Lines as a Safety Superintendent. He went on to serve as General Manager of Worldwide Electronic Corporation. Ross later worked at Land's End before retiring. He spent many years in Mineral Point on his 40-acre farmette. In 2020, Ross and Janet moved to their beautiful riverfront home in Guttenberg. Anyone who knew Ross knew his deep passion for trains. He was an enthusiastic and longtime member of the National Model Railroad Association for 54 years. He found joy in watching trains pass through Guttenberg and observing the barges, tugboats, tows, and cruise ships traveling the Mississippi River. Ross also cherished classical music, camping with Janet, reading, and spending peaceful days by the river.

Ross was a devoted Freemason and held several leadership roles within the Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Wisconsin, including District Lecturer, Area Administrator, and Grand Officer of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Wisconsin. His lifelong dedication reflected his commitment to service, education, and brotherhood. Ross was also a devoted participant in the Methodist churches in both Mineral Point and Guttenberg. He was exceptionally well traveled, and his maritime career took him to nearly every corner of the world, allowing for many cherished trips to Germany and Belgium to visit his sons.

Ross is survived by his children: Ross (Simone) Pollock of Schwabach, Germany; Dave (Marita) Pollock of Hamont-Achel, Belgium; John Pollock of Bremen, Germany; Daniel (Olga) Pollock of Suceava, Romania; and former daughter-in-law Anja Pollock of Bremen, Germany. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Brenda (Paco) Ochoa of Los Fresnos, Texas; Matt (Alison) Wood of North Liberty, Iowa; Paula (Paul) Rasmussen of Monona, Iowa; and Paul (Irina) Wood of Redding, California. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Sophie (Koen) Pollock, Yentl Pollock, Marvin Pollock, Jason (Nadine) Pollock, Jimmie Pollock, Annika Pollock, and Nils Pollock; seven step-grandchildren: Natalia Ochoa, Taylor Rasmussen, Nora Rasmussen, Zach Wood, Rachel Wood, Eliana Wood, and Izabella Wood; three great-grandchildren, Wout, Jonathan, and Neah Pollock; his sister, Susan (Gail) Wilson of Tempe, Arizona; one nephew, Brian (Joanna) Wilson of Chandler, Arizona; and one great-niece, Natalie Wilson.

Ross was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Pollock; his son, Roger Pollock; his sister, Carol Pollock Eisele; and his parents, Ross and Elizabeth (Eldred) Pollock.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St.Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Ross's final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ross's name to Shriners Children's Hospitals.