Obituary
Leslie (Les) Edward Ross
Leslie (Les) Edward Ross died August 16, 2024 in La Crosse WI. He was a small town farm boy from Poynette WI, born to Edward and Goldie (Erickson/Shaker) Ross May 6, 1931. He was drafted to the US Army for the Korean War, serving from 1952-54 in Panama Canal Zone, in the 10th Mountain Division.
He spoke time and again of seeing a young Queen Elizabeth arriving to tour Panama while he was there, and his eyes would just light up every time he told the story of being in the front row of the parade as she filed slowly by in a convertible with the top down being so close he could have held out his hand to touch her. He would just smile ear to ear, saying “YES that was our parade for the Queen!”
By the time he returned to Wisconsin in the 1950s he married, had 3 sons, worked at Oscar Mayer and as a Borden Milk Man. Then his dream of flying took off as he began his years in Aviation which was his true passion. He worked 34 years as a pilot with his dear friend Jim Halverson for Dairyland Power flying fixed wing and helicopter.
He loved his family, motorcycling, fixing anything & everything, traveling, reading and learning. He always enjoyed coffee with friends, the John Deere tractor club, meeting with other pilots at the Holmen Airport, volunteering with 3rd graders and transporting Veterans for the DAV. He lived with a smile on his face, a Kwik trip Karuba in hand, was one heck of a well known dancer and addicted to all things chocolate. He gave out thousands of Dove chocolates to everyone in sight. He and Sue Anne traveled the world as well as all over the USA and Canada with their loved Avion camper. His dear friends meant the world to him; Bud Johnson, Captain Bob Buley, and Fred Zenz.
Les is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Sue Anne Ross, (Carrie Lelli & Larry Lelli); sons, Doug (Julie) Ross, (Chad Ross & Molly Ross), Brian (Romell) Ross, (Trevor Ross), (Wyatt Ross & Rylee Ross) & (Dylan (Lindsey) Ross), Tom (Siggi) Ross, (JoAnna (Randy) Garcia), (Everett Garcia & Henry Garcia) & (Kassandra (John) Cahill); sister, Judy Lantis; and sisters-in-law, Janet Ross; Julie (Glenn) Harris; Cathie Kohn.
Les is predeceased by his brother, Fred Ross; sister, Frances Ross; grandfather, Edwin Ross; and both parents.
Donations may be given to a charity of your choice.
I miss Les as my neighbor. Our backyards come together, he would ride over on his John Deere mower and talk for a bit. He always complimented me on my garden flowers. I was privileged to often receive some Dove candy as he drove by my front yard if I was out. Sue Anne and family, my condolences on the loss of such a kind man. I love the Queen Elizabeth story. I wish I could have heard him talk about it. Rest in peace dear man.
Always enjoyed visits with Les. Met him through motorcycle group and always had fun times and conversations every where I ran in to him.
R.I.P. Les 🙏🙏
Sorry to hear about Les. Got chocolate from him when he came with alterations. Had to have seam sewn in front of jeans. He even helped me shovel driveway once when he came.
Sue just read Les’s obituary. So sorry for your loss. I thought of you both so many times and prayed for you. I always remembered when Pete was alive and you had moved to Holmen and Les would call from his vehicle which at that time was parked in our driveway and he would say Is it ok to stop in and visit. We always smiled at that. Him and Pete had many good talks. Praying for you and the family. Look to Jesus for His peace. Miss you.
Larry&I have known Les and Sue Anne through the VA. I appreciate-admire and HONOR Les s dedicated service for the United States forces. We are so fortunate to be”neighbors” and friends. Both Les and Sue Anne have been a joy to know. Our blessings,love and prayers as we honor and remember a long time military man.
I worked with Les at Dairyland Power for several years. Les was a top-notch pilot, always caring about the comfort of his passengers. Our deepest condolences to the Ross family.
Sue, just heard about Les. I am so sorry for your loss. Les was always smiling and I got to know him at Hillview. He always tried to give me chocolate and was such a kind man. He will be missed. I always enjoyed stopping down in his room when working to chat. Also, it was nice to get to know you more and your family and also remember your visits with Les at SPARK! At Clearwater Farm.
Take care of yourself and cherish the memories.
Tom Smith
Les was a customer of mine at the BMW motorcycle shop in Rochester.One time he landed his helicopter across Hwy 14 from the shop so he could come in and buy some parts. It caused more than a minor traffic issue as people pulled over and parked to look at the helicopter in the field. Sometime later, my mechanic rushed out to the parking lot claiming a helicopter had crashed behind the shop. A few moments later here came Les walking out of the tall weeds brushing debris off his clothes. We had a good chuckle about that. I haven’t seen Les since the 80s. Thanks Les for the friendship and fond memories.
We were Nutbush friends from some years ago. Back when Sue Anne was introduced by Les as his Bride. We shared cinnamon rolls and popcorn with frosting and good conversation. Sadly, we have not seen either of you much these past years. We enjoyed your company. Sorry for your loss, Sue Anne.
Sue Ann, we are sorry to learn of Les’s passing. His elite service to our country is appreciated 🇺🇸. May memories shared give you a sense of peace and comfort in your time of loss.
No less through his brother Fred from Sun Prairie, where we used to live. When we moved to the area ran into Les and immediately took a liking to him. He was a good man! May he rest in peace
Sue, Carrie and Larry. So sorry to hear of Les’s passing. Prayers are with you. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Love to all of you. Jo Skellenger
SueAnne,
I am so sorry to read of Les’s passing. He was such a a kind and jovial man. It was a pleasure having him as a volunteer, friend, and colleague. Loved that he read to kids, which always brought a smile to his face. I will miss his antics, quipping, and conversation. God bless his memory and know that I am with you in your loss. Love and prayers, Tammy
Sue My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
I paroled many miles of power line with Les as my pilot. He enjoyed landing the DPC chopper in a small town just for a cup of coffee. He once set the helicopter down in my back yard just to give my daughters a little ride. My sympathy to the family. He will be remembered.