Alfred E. "Al" Ross

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Alfred E. “Al” Ross, 86, of Sartell will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. Al passed away on July 16, 2011 at his home with family by his side after a one year battle with cancer. Reverend Michael Wolfbauer will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.

Al was born on December 19, 1924 in Bowbells, North Dakota to Alfred M. and Elenore (Schmid) Ross. At age two Al’s parents passed away and he was raised by his grandparents, Frank and Gertrude Schmid in Avon. He graduated from Technical High School in 1942, attended the U of M for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served during WWII in the European Theatre, receiving a Purple Heart for being wounded in action. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to the U of M and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He married Lucille A. “Lu” Posch on March 25, 1950 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls and immediately after began active duty with the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, he went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and ROTC Training from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Al was stationed around the country including five years as a Math Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. His final assignment was as Assistant Project Director in the design of the C5A Super-Transport Aircraft. Al retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel in 1968 receiving many awards during his career. He returned to the St. Cloud area and worked for Avon Lumber for many years, retiring to Green Valley, AZ in 1991 for 17 years. Al and Lucille moved to Sartell in 2008.

Throughout his life Al was a member of many organizations including: the Izaak Walton League, St. Cloud Planning Commission, VA Medical Center in Minnesota and Arizona, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Arizona, The Waite Park American Legion Silver Star Post #428, Ducks Unlimited, Titan Missile Museum and Boy Scouts of America Volunteer, Avon Lions Club, Meals on Wheels and the Sartell Senior Connection.

Al enjoyed golfing, hiking, gardening, hunting and various crafts. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Lu of Sartell; children, Brian (Kris) of Baxter, Steve (Kathy) of Grand Rapids, Karen (Scott) Reinholz of Sartell, Lisa (Kelly) Hain of Grand Rapids; nine grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; brother, Franklin of Carson City, NV; and sister Eleanor (Babe) Johnson of Osakis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and brothers, Nestor and LeRoy.

A special thank you is extended to the Coborn Cancer Center and the St. Cloud Hospital Home Care and Hospice Services.

Memorials are preferred.