Obituary for Ross Kay Anderson
Ross Kay Anderson, 74, of Watertown, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 7, 2019, at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, IL.
Born on September 13, 1944, in Moroni, UT, he was the son of the late John and Ivy (Christensen) Anderson. He had lived in Old Mill Creek, IL for many years, as well as Des Plaines, IL, Twin Lakes, WI, Kenosha, WI, and Rockford, IL.
Ross worked as a civil engineer for the past 21 years for Bowman, Barrett and Associates (recently acquired by Gannett Fleming), and was a senior vice president of the company. His professional experience also included Abbott Laboratories, Skanska, and 14 years with the City of Rockford, four of which he served as Commissioner of Public Works. Ross earned his BSCE degree from Utah State University and was a registered professional engineer in four states.
Ross was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, co-worker, and friend who always put family and friends before all else. His generosity and kindness were unparalleled and endeared him immediately to everyone he met. Quick to smile and laugh, his calm and warm personality was comforting even to strangers and was only matched by his quick wit and intelligence that could keep you talking and laughing for hours. Ross loved to travel, taking his family on almost yearly road trips to visit national parks, friends, and family all across the country, often culminating in reunions with his large and close-knit family in Utah. On these many trips, he and his growing family visited over 40 states and Canada, explored most of the countries’ national parks, and spent countless hours laughing and talking as the pavement flew by. He had a special place in his heart for Denmark, as his grandparents were both born there, and just last year was finally able to bring the whole family on a final trip to the country. He also enjoyed theatre and the arts and has supported UW Parkside’s Theatre Program for over 10 years. He liked watching rodeos, and horses; his passion for horses leading him to rescue three horses in need. Beyond anything else however, he loved his children and grandchildren and as their lives progressed, their passions and interests became his passions and interests. He would devote his time to learning and enjoying anything, no matter how foreign, as long as he was by their side.
Survivors include his children, Christopher (Rachel DiPirro) Anderson of Franklin, WI, Brandon (Alan Cohn) Anderson of Astoria, NY, Jennifer (Jordan) Davids of Watertown, WI and Ashley Anderson of Watertown, WI; four grandchildren, Lucia DiPirro, Aaron Davids, Johnathan Davids, and Riley Davids; two sisters, Norma (the late Vertis) Bodily, and Helen (the late Duane) Anderson; a sister-in-law, Donna Anderson; his former spouse, and dear friend, Jamie Jacobs; former mother-in-law, Barbara Jacobs (the late James Jacobs); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and brothers-in-law, Ross was preceded in death by his brother, John Anderson.
Funeral services will take place at Moroni Cemetery in Moroni, UT on Tuesday, July 2nd, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private memorial. Arrangements were entrusted to Proko Funeral Home, Kenosha. In lieu of flowers, contributions to his memorial GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/aga53-funeral-and-expenses), are appreciated.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 654-3533
Visit & Sign Ross’ Online Memorial Book at:
www.prokofuneralhome.com
Born on September 13, 1944, in Moroni, UT, he was the son of the late John and Ivy (Christensen) Anderson. He had lived in Old Mill Creek, IL for many years, as well as Des Plaines, IL, Twin Lakes, WI, Kenosha, WI, and Rockford, IL.
Ross worked as a civil engineer for the past 21 years for Bowman, Barrett and Associates (recently acquired by Gannett Fleming), and was a senior vice president of the company. His professional experience also included Abbott Laboratories, Skanska, and 14 years with the City of Rockford, four of which he served as Commissioner of Public Works. Ross earned his BSCE degree from Utah State University and was a registered professional engineer in four states.
Ross was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, co-worker, and friend who always put family and friends before all else. His generosity and kindness were unparalleled and endeared him immediately to everyone he met. Quick to smile and laugh, his calm and warm personality was comforting even to strangers and was only matched by his quick wit and intelligence that could keep you talking and laughing for hours. Ross loved to travel, taking his family on almost yearly road trips to visit national parks, friends, and family all across the country, often culminating in reunions with his large and close-knit family in Utah. On these many trips, he and his growing family visited over 40 states and Canada, explored most of the countries’ national parks, and spent countless hours laughing and talking as the pavement flew by. He had a special place in his heart for Denmark, as his grandparents were both born there, and just last year was finally able to bring the whole family on a final trip to the country. He also enjoyed theatre and the arts and has supported UW Parkside’s Theatre Program for over 10 years. He liked watching rodeos, and horses; his passion for horses leading him to rescue three horses in need. Beyond anything else however, he loved his children and grandchildren and as their lives progressed, their passions and interests became his passions and interests. He would devote his time to learning and enjoying anything, no matter how foreign, as long as he was by their side.
Survivors include his children, Christopher (Rachel DiPirro) Anderson of Franklin, WI, Brandon (Alan Cohn) Anderson of Astoria, NY, Jennifer (Jordan) Davids of Watertown, WI and Ashley Anderson of Watertown, WI; four grandchildren, Lucia DiPirro, Aaron Davids, Johnathan Davids, and Riley Davids; two sisters, Norma (the late Vertis) Bodily, and Helen (the late Duane) Anderson; a sister-in-law, Donna Anderson; his former spouse, and dear friend, Jamie Jacobs; former mother-in-law, Barbara Jacobs (the late James Jacobs); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and brothers-in-law, Ross was preceded in death by his brother, John Anderson.
Funeral services will take place at Moroni Cemetery in Moroni, UT on Tuesday, July 2nd, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private memorial. Arrangements were entrusted to Proko Funeral Home, Kenosha. In lieu of flowers, contributions to his memorial GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/aga53-funeral-and-expenses), are appreciated.
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Phone: (262) 654-3533
Visit & Sign Ross’ Online Memorial Book at:
www.prokofuneralhome.com