Robert "Bob" Harold Ross

Robert Harold “Bob” Ross, 79, of Crookston, MN, passed away in Fisher, MN on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Bob was born in Crookston on April 27, 1945, the son of Harold and Luverne (Buckman) Ross. Together with his sisters, Jan and Marilee, they were raised in a loving home on Locken Blvd. He was baptized and confirmed in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and spent his school years attending Washington Elementary School before graduating from Central High School as a member of the Class of 1963. A month later he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Loretta Kaye Wermager. Their marriage would come to be blessed by the births of 4 children: Valerie, Natalie, Leah, and Justin. Through the years they made their home in Fisher and Crookston. Bob loved farming, with his dad from a young age and later with his son Justin, son-in-law Randy, and grandsons Ross and Owen, making it a 5-generation farm.  He farmed with an acquired wisdom, always excited to try new techniques and equipment.  He had an amazing knowledge of the history of land all around the Valley and loved to drive around the countryside looking at fields.  He retired from farming in 2017.

Bob loved his Loretta and his family with all his heart and doing things together was his favorite pastime.  There were many adventures packed into the yellow station wagon and later the Winnebago.  Bob loved to have fun and had passion for many activities over the years.  He loved to ski and watching him swish down a Colorado mountain was a beautiful thing.

He was an avid snowmobiler and his trips with Justin and his buddies were some of his favorite times.  He loved the view from a mountain top.

Bob loved camping at Cass Lake in the “Loop” at Norway Beach with Loretta and his family.  There was nothing like a “zing” on the lake with Bob in his sparkly turquoise boat or a bike ride around the campground followed by a refreshment by a fire surrounded by the pines.

In his younger years he had various “hot rods” he would work on with his buddies and take cruising.  His love for fast cars continued later at the races in Grand Forks and drag races in Brainerd with Ross, Ryan, and Danielle.

Bob was a #1 Vikings fan.  It was a “Natty-Daddy” thing and going to a game with them never disappointed despite the outcome.

He had many “furry friends” through the years, a long line of various and unique cats and dogs,

His love for life, sense of humor – and we can’t leave out teasing – made him one of a kind.  Bob loved seeing people happy and he always had a kind word and a smile.  Bob loved people and people loved Bob.

Life was good.  We find comfort in our faith that now live is better.

Bob and his family were very saddened by the passing of Loretta on December 7, 2016, and Natalie a few years later on July 28, 2022. He will be very lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his children and their spouses: Valerie and Randy Korynta of Maple Lake, near Mentor, MN, Leah and Jade Klein of Fisher, MN, and Justin and Sharon Ross of East Grand Forks, MN; son-in-law, Bobby Baird of Crookston, MN; 10 grandchildren: Ross (Kelli) Korynta, Ryan (Megan) Korynta, Kaia (Lucas) Goodwin, Colton, Carter, and Quinn Winand, Ty (Korissa) Klein, Brady Klein, and Vincent and Owen Ross; 9     great-grandchildren: Kinley, Corban, Maddyn, Lincoln, River, Maverick, Maclin, Addilyn, and Lawson; 2 sisters, Jan Ross (Sue) of Woodland Park, CO and Marilee  (Corky) Hanson of Crookston; and from Loretta’s side of the family his brother-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law, Wayne (Jeanette) Wermager of Amarillo, TX and Pam DeLage of Crookston; together with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In addition to being reunited with Loretta, his beloved wife of 53 years and best friend for longer, and their daughter, Natalie Kim Baird; Bob is now also with his infant grandson, Austin Justin Ross; parents, Harold and Luverne Ross; infant brother, Danny, who died in 1953; and from Loretta’s family Bob’s parents-in-law, Truman and Neva Wermager; and brothers-in-law, Jerry Wermager and Ronnie DeLage.

Blessed be the memory of Robert Harold Ross.

The funeral service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Crookston, with The Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. Visitation will be from 3-5:00 p.m. and because of the later hour light refreshments will be served during the visitation in the lower level dining room where a slideshow will also be available to watch. The funeral will be livestreamed by going to Bob’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Interment will be held later in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston. Messages of condolence may be offered to the family on the funeral home website as well. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Bob’s name to the Michael J. Fox Parkinsons Foundation, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School, or Fisher School Enhancement Fund.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Edgewood in Grand Forks and the Villa in Crookston.  Also, those who visited and reached out to Bob during his time there.  Your kindness made a difference in his life and is much appreciated.