ORVILLE ROSS

Orville H. Ross, of Neenah, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 14, 2012. He was born April 17, 1920 in Forestville, WI, son of the late Louis K. and Nora (Schliep) Ross. As a boy Orville spent his summers on his uncles farm in Abrams. He graduated from Algoma High School in 1938 and from Marquette University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Orville married Betty Reinl on February 20, 1943. She preceded him in death on August 13, 2001. Prior to his enlistment in the US Navy, Orville was employed with Falk Corp. in Milwaukee doing defense work. While in the service he was stationed in the Philippines as an officer aboard subchaser SC-749. In 1946 he was hired by Bergstrom Paper as their first degreed Mechanical Engineer and retired in 1982. Orville was a 64 year member of First United Methodist Church in Neenah. Among many other civic contributions, he was a proud founding committee member of Neenah Little League baseball and a founder and long-time board member of Bergstrom Paper Credit Union. Survivors include his five children: Susanne (Bob) Ciurro, Marla Fries, Alan Ross, Leland Ross, and Amy (Thomas) Annen; 12 grandchildren: Chuck (Tami) Fries, John (Christina) Ross, Chris (Cindy) Pestka, Jonathan (Dusty Jean) Fries, Lindsay Ross (Steve Haagen), Timothy (Michelle Gjere) Fries, Scott Ross, Lesley (Andy) Lipke, Ian (Emma) Ross, Cassie Krom, Hannah (Tory Sgt USMC) Armstrong, and Logan Ross; 12 great-grandchildren: Kirsten, Kyle, Ben, Sam, Cass, Milo, Hank, Lance, Abby, Aly, Orion, and Thea; sister-in-law, Florence Ross, nieces and nephews. Orville was preceded in death by a sister, Leona (Clarence) Eggert; and a brother, Marlin. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 19, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, 108 W. Doty Ave., Neenah, with The Rev. Mark Geisthardt officiating. The visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home and again at the church Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery with full Military Rites conducted by the US Navy and the Neenah/Menasha Honor Guard.