Charles E. Ross

Charles E Ross, age 93, of Savanna, Illinois, died Thursday February 16, 2023, at home. A funeral service will be held 12:00 pm on Friday, March 3, at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Savanna with Reverend Daniel Foelske officiating. Burial will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 12:00 am prior to the service, at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. A luncheon will be held following the service at the church.

Charles was born Sunday August 11, 1929, in Rockford, Illinois to Harold M and Vivian V (Haller) Ross. He graduated from Steward High School with the class of 1947. He married Jo Ann Kuhse on September 7, 1956 – they later separated but remained friends.

Charles started working for the Milwaukee Railroad May 18, 1947 as an Agent/Operator, retiring after 50 years in 1997. Much of that time was spent at the Savanna Depot and later as an Operator at the Sabula Drawbridge. For a number of years, Charles also worked for the Savanna Post Office, delivering mail. He was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Savanna where he served as the Sunday School Superintendent for over 30 years.

Charles was a frequent letter writer with many pen pals. He wrote weekly letters to some just thinking that they might like to get a letter. Once retired, he loved to help his neighbors. He would shovel their snow, give rides, pick up groceries, set out garbage and do many small jobs. While working on the railroad he picked up the habit of logging everything, from the weather, when a card arrived, a telephone call was received and when the birds arrived and left for the season. A battery or light bulb installed in his home or a neighbors would always be dated. He was a man of great curiosity and loved to share his insights.

Charles will be missed by three sons, Craig (Colleen) Ross of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, Douglas Ross of Fulton, Illinois and Jon (Teresa) Ross of Savanna; two daughters, Jean Shepherd of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Janet (Lonny) Bright of Logansport, Indiana; one son-in-law, Emil Wright of Rogue River, Oregon, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Julie Wright and one grandson, Collin Ross.