Curtis Leo Rossow

Obituary

Curtis Leo Rossow was born at home March 26, 1934, on the same farm his father was born, in rural Lakefield, MN. His parents are Reinhard Herman and Ella Martha (Ell) Rossow. He was baptized April 15, 1934 and confirmed March 30, 1947, both at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Delafield-Heron Lake Township, Lakefield, MN. Curtis attended grade school at St. Peter Lutheran Church School and high school in Lakefield, MN. He joined the U.S. Marines in August 1953. His training was at San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot and at Camp Pendleton, CA. Curtis served two years active duty, which included 14 months in Korea. He received an honorable discharge in August 1955. Before entering the Marines, he worked for Wright Tree Service and returned to that job upon discharge from the service until 1960.

Curtis married Elaine Marsha Spencer on November 25, 1956 at First English Evangelical Church in Groton, SD. Together they raised seven children. They made their home in many states for the first years. In 1960 they moved back to Minnesota and started farming, which he continued to do except for a few years, 1972-1975, when he worked for Land O’ Lakes. They moved to Buffalo Lake in 1975 where Curtis took on the position of Farm Manager for RZS Partnership until 1984, when he returned to farming on his own again, and also had a hog farrowing setup.  He farmed until retiring in 2010 when they moved into the town of Buffalo Lake.

Curtis was on the McLeod Co-op Association Power board for 22 years, and served on the Zion Lutheran church council.  He also organized the first horseshoe tournament for Buffalo Lake Days, and was instrumental in helping secure the funds for the local grocery store after the 2003 tornado. He enjoyed his family, bowling, watching the Vikings & MN Twins, gardening, feeding/watching birds, hunting, fishing, and doing Sudoku.

After fighting a courageous battle with cancer, Curtis passed away on October 29th, having reached the age of 82 years, 7 months, and 3 days, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia MN.

Curtis is survived by his Wife of 60 years, Elaine;

his 7 Children: Marsha (Lee) Scharmer of Buffalo Lake, MN,
                         Anita (Gayle) Deal of Buffalo Lake, MN,
                         Sonia (Don) Anderson of Buffalo Lake, MN,
                         Karla (Kim) Huls of Buffalo Lake, MN,
                         Mark (Beth) Rossow of Eagle Lake, MN,
                         Thomas (Tammy) Rossow of North Mankato, MN, and
                         Dustin (Kim) Rossow of Carver, MN;

13 Grandchildren: Ken (Lauren) Deal, Jake Deal (special friend Meghan Rettke), Bobbie Jo Deal  (special friend Davontay Stevens), Christi (Kou) Kue, Stephanie Anderson ( special friend Austin Veatch), Desiree (Kyle) Kottke, Nicholas (Kirbi) Huls, Devin (Russell) Kapping, Kayla Rossow  (special friend Caleb Wadd), Wade Rossow, Tyler Rossow, Isaac Rossow, Lucas Rossow;

8 Great-Grandchildren: Alexis and Joseph Deal, Taylin Stevens, Ace Kue, Alexandra, Faith, and Whitney Kottke, Ella Kapping;

Brothers and Sisters: Bernice Tallman of Lakefield, MN, Melvin (Inez) Rossow of Lakefield, MN, Betty (Wilbur) Hage of Lakefield, MN, Larry (Roxann) Rossow of Redwood Falls, MN, Reinhard Jr. (Rita) Rossow of Corona, CA, Shirley Rossow of Dundas, MN;

Sisters-in-law: LaNell Rossow of Lakefield, MN, and Virginia Spencer of Minnetonka, MN;

many, many nieces and nephews, relatives, and many wonderful friends.

Curtis was welcomed into heaven by his Parents, Reinhard and Ella Rossow; his Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Ralph and Ella Spencer; his Sister, Gladys and husband Lyle Fricke; Brother, Dennis Rossow; an infant sister; Brothers-in-law, Clarence “Bud” Tallman, Leonard and wife Alnora Spencer, Morris Spencer; Sisters-in-law, Ruth and husband Glenn Suits, Luella and husband Freddie Speer;  Nephews, John Fricke, Tony Rossow, Gary Spencer; and Nieces, Joan Oberloh, Julie Dorschner, Anne Spencer, Karen Werner.

Blessed be the memory of Curtis Leo Rossow.