Gerald, age 91, passed away today, March 30,2023 at VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
He was born on January 10, 1932 at his parent’s home near Attica. HIs father was Glenn Ellis Ross and his mother was Anna Pauline (Jones) Ross. HIs education was all in the Lovilia schools and he graduated with the class of 1950.
On April 24, 1954 he and Eleanor “Claudine” Gullion were joined in marriage at Knoxville, Iowa and the spent 63 years together until she passed in 2021. They were blessed with five children: Patti, Deb, Greg, Kenny, and Brian.
Gerald and his father worked together in a sawmill until Gerald went into the Army and was stationed in Korea. After serving his country, he returned home and worked: 21 years at John Morrell’s in Ottumwa; drove truck for Ted Visser and for Leach Trucking Co.; and then worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Corps of Engineers.
In his youth he pitched in a fast pitch softball league. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as: hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, mowing and manicuring his lawn; and fixing most anything. Gerald had his pilot’s license and flew his own planes. He loved the Lovilia community and would help with projects like construction, cement work, plumbing, and grave digging.
The family went on trips with him to Canada, Mt. Rushmore, Florida and Lake Red Rock camping.
Friends and family often called him the nicknames: Charger, Gunner, or Sarge. He shared his great sense of humor with them all.
Gerald is survived by four children: Deb, Greg, Kenny, and Brian; 9 grandchildren, eleven great-grand children and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter-Patti, twin sisters- Wilma and Wilda, and a brother-Robert.
Visitation will be 12:30pm-1 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Tharp Funeral Home Albia, Iowa with his family present to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Tharp’s. Pastor Richard Grimes officiating and military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. Burial will follow services at Gullion Cemetery in Attica, Iowa
Memorials have been established to the American Legion in Albia and the Welcome Home Soldier monument in Albia.
May he rest in peace.