John Rossiter

John Wesley Rossiter was born in Oskaloosa, IA, on July 4, 1922 to Rev. John William Ida Laura (Van Loon) Rossiter. Being a Preacher's son he attended many grade schools. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1940. He graduated from Tracy Jr. College and attended one quarter at the U of M. After school he worked building a radio school in Sioux Falls, SD, and an ammunition plant in Salt Lake City, UT. He enlisted in the Army on March 4, 1943 and received an Honorable Discharge on February 19, 1946. He was a Tsgt serving in American and Asiatic Pacific Theaters with the medic's. Following his military service John returned to Minnesota and went to work at L.H. Heligas Construction, Gambles Jackson Millworks in Jackson. John was a Scout Master for a number of years and a member of the Jackson Jaycees. He was a member of several Methodist Churches serving on a number of church boards through the years. He also taught Sunday School and sang in church choirs. On March 25, 1951, John was united in marriage to Lois Ellen Jensen at the Tracy United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in Jackson until 1962, when they purchased a window and awning business in St. James. John operated the Gateway Window and Awning Company until his retirement in 1985. In his retirement years he served wherever he could. John was a life member of VFW Post 1914. He loved to golf, fish, hunt and bowl. He loved all sports, playing cards, collecting coins, and doing cross word puzzles. John passed away at the age of 87 years on October 13, 2009 at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. Left to cherish his memories are his wife Lois Rossiter of St. James, four children; Norman Catherine Rossiter of Brooklyn Park, Richard Shelly Rossiter of Hanska, Jean Patrick Parsley of Fairmont, Mary Paul Taylor of Orono, 13 grandchildren; Sonja Dagenais, Jeremy (Kayla) Rossiter, Jessica Rossiter, Miranda (CR) Childers, Melissa Rossiter, Alicia Parsley, John Rossiter, Ellen (Chad) Lutz, William Rossiter, Cassie Taylor, Allen Rossiter, Rachel Parsley, Caitlin Parsley, six great-grandchildren; Caryn, Adele, Adalina, Waylon, Braydon and Alexis, and many relatives friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Virginia and great-grandson Garrett.