Jerome Ross

Jerome Donald Ross was born to Rose and William Ross on March 14, 1929 in Milbank, South Dakota. The Ross family, including Jerry, his parents, two sisters and two brothers were a strong Catholic family. Jerry attended St. Lawrence Catholic School through the eighth grade and continued his education in Milbank High School graduating with the class of 1947. During his junior and senior years of high school, Jerry painted bridges for the railroad from Milbank to Minneapolis. That job brought him through Appleton where he met his future wife, Evelyn Behrens. They were married September 16, 1950 and lived in Appleton for a few months before moving to Montevideo. Shortly hereafter, Jerry was drafted into the Army, serving as railroad engineer during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Upon his return to Montevideo, the young couple started their family. Their union was to be blessed with seven children. Over the years, Jerry had many different jobs but his passion always brought him back to railroading. Jerry worked for the Milwaukee Road from 1956 until 1982 when he became a railroad owner. He was a partner in the Sisseton Milbank Railroad for a couple of years and then bought his first short-line railroad in 1985. Throughout his life, Jerry succeeded with self-confidence and willingness to take chances in order to realize his dreams. He had said, ?I've always had faith and vision for Montevideo and its main street. I bought downtown property because I wanted to restore it. It was a challenge, but mostly I saw it as an opportunity.?In July 2008, Jerry was diagnosed with kidney troubles. During triple bypass, his kidney failed. With the help of his devoted wife, family and friends, Jerry again relied on his lifelong faith, and determination to meet challenges ahead. While wintering in Sun City, Arizona, Jerry gave up his valiant battle for life and left his earthly home. He died at the Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City on Monday, December 13th at the age of 81. Above all was his strong Catholic faith. A favorite prayer of his was ?Jesus, I love you. Jesus I trust you. Please come into my heart, my soul, and my home. Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I trust you.? He was never afraid to share his faith with others. Jerry often commented, with a tear in his eye, how very blessed he was. Cherishing his memory are his devoted wife Evelyn; their children: Theresa (Dave) Mitlyng of Montevideo, Michael Ross of Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, Carol (Dave) Mitzelfeldt of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Connie (Bill) Pauling of Montevideo, Jacque (Eric) Durhman of River Falls, Wisconsin, Kathy (Peter) Norton of Mound, Minnesota, and Jennifer (Scott) Ambrosier of Sartell, Minnesota; 21 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, his brother Bob Ross of Chicago and his sister Janet Fritz of Arizona as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill, his sister Helen, and his grandson Gabriel.