Karl Göran Roswall, 69, died on March 18, 2011 doing what he loved, cutting wood.

Karl was born in Lovisa, Finland on October 10, 1941 to Karl Lennart and Helfrid (Holmberg) Roswall. Growing up in a Swedish-speaking town in Finland, Karl learned from his grandfather his love of nature.  He was a man who was larger than life yet never considered himself more than anyone else.

Karl came to the U.S. after earning a degree in Agronomy in Åbo Finland, to complete post graduate work at the U of MN. While there he met his wife Maria Lombardi.

Karl received a job with Wayne Feeds which brought him to La Crosse where they have lived for the past 40 years. Throughout his career, he became an expert in dairy nutrition in which he thoroughly enjoyed working with farmers and dealers and eventually became his life’s work and passion.

His interests included traveling, tennis, dancing, and cross-country skiing.  Fondly known as ‘Farfar’ and ‘Mousy‘ by his grandchildren, he especially enjoyed taking them sledding .  As an avid outdoorsman, he spent every free moment in the woods: logging, chopping wood, and working on his infamous “log cabin.”

Maintaining his ties to Finland, he made sure his children and grandchildren also had a connection to his roots. He returned to his homeland often to visit his brother Lars, cousin Jan (Boe), and other close relatives. He was the best ambassador Finland ever had in his quest to instill the importance of heritage and creating strong family ties that bridged several cultures.

He is survived by his wife Maria of 44 years, son, K. Dominic (Kam-Lin), daughter, Britt (Christopher) Welnetz, Grandchildren, Max and Sydney Roswall, Ivy Jean and Mack Welnetz, brother, Lars (Kristina) of Helsinki, sister, Heidi (Per) Lill-Smeds of Finspång, Sweden, close nephew, Bill Chaney, sisters-in-law: Rita Chaney, Meg (Randy) Kunze, Lisa (Bill) Lombardi-Rice and brother-in-law Patrick (Maribeth) Lombardi and also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

While Karl never gave up his Finnish citizenship, he considered the U.S. his home and embodied the American spirit. He was most remembered for his willingness to help others and his dedication to his family. If anyone ever needed anything they knew that they could count on Karl. However, with his help came interesting conversations that ranged from the weather, politics, counting carbs, being outdoors, to the importance of drinking milk.  Karl is continuing to help others with the gift of life through organ donation.

A memoral mass will be held on Saturday, April 2 at the St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, 530 Main St., La Crosse.  The Rev. Michael Gorman will officiate.  Visitation begins at 11:30 A.M. followed by the service at 12:30 P.M.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be distributed among various local charities.