STEPHEN JAMES ROSS

STEPHEN JAMES ROSS Stephen James Ross, age 77, International Falls, Minnesota passed away peacefully at the Rainer Roost in Rainer, Minnesota on Saturday, January 3, 2026 after having a stroke. Stephen was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 16, 1948, to Lawrence Ross and Dorothy (Dudek) Ross. He grew up in International Falls, Minnesota attending St. Thomas Catholic School through grade 8 and graduated from International Falls High School class of 1966. Stephen excelled in sports. He was a 4-sport athlete competing in baseball, football, hockey, and golf. He was a member of the 1964, 1965, 1966 State High School Hockey Champions. He was Captain for the 1966 team. That year he was also named to the Minnesota All State Team. During the 1966 Hockey Tournament, Stevie seldom left the ice. He played most of the entire games. His hockey career continued at the University of Minnesota as he played with the Gopher Hockey Team from 1966 - 1970. For the 1970-1971 hockey season, he played for the Marquette Iron Rangers of the United States Hockey League. From 1971-1974, he played for the Green Bay Bobcats of the same United States Hockey League. He retired from hockey after receiving a career ending knee injury. Steve moved to Alaska and went to work on the Alaska Pipeline. Here he met the love of his life Christine Adams, and they were married in 1985. Together, they made a path to Portland, Oregon where Stevie continued his education to become a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. He practiced Chiropractic Medicine until his retirement in 2017. Rainy Lake was calling him, so he moved back to International Falls, Minnesota in 2017. Stevie had an adventurous soul. In his younger years, he loved to compete with his sister, Patty, in local sailing regattas on Rainy Lake. Stephen, along with a few friends, sailed a small sailboat from California to Hawaii with limited electronics. Stephen loved the game of golf and when not working, playing hockey, or sailing, you could find him on a golf course. Stephen was loved by all. A very easy-going man, who made friends quickly and was always up for a good time. He had a genuine positive attitude even in the last few years as his health was failing. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Dorothy Ross; his sister, Patty Ross; and his wife, Christine Adam Ross; along with several aunts and uncles. Steve is survived by his good friend and guardian, Ron Beck and family; along with his aunt, Gertrude Johnson; and numerous cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in International Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the mass. Interment will take place at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. Instead of flowers, memorials can be sent to Purple Pride Fund, International Falls High School or St. ThomasCatholic School, International Falls, Minnesota. We would like to thank the Staff at Decker Care Center Rainer Roost for all their love, support and compassion they gave Stephen during his extended stay there. He enjoyed the comradery with the staff and vice-versa. Stephen made each day interesting! For those who knew him well, knew he was never on time. But by the grace of God, and help from Green Larson Mortuary, we don't think he will be late for his funeral! Rest in Peace Stephen. Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com. Arrangements are with Green Larsen Mortuary, Inc.