Cover photo for Jack Ross's Obituary

Jack Ross

March 25, 1927 — September 15, 2021

Jack Ross

A pillar in the community, Jack Ross passed away on Sept. 15, 2021.

He was born March 25, 1927, in Wolbach, Neb., After serving in World War II, he moved to Coeur d’Alene, with his parents and younger brother Robert Ross. He started work for the State Highway Department and at night for the Elks Club. There he met the love of his life LaWanda Losh, and they married in 1955. Together they had five children, Jason, Callen, Marla, Verona and Bennett. Jack was a hard worker and built their family home in Coeur d'Alene and on the weekends built their cabin in Priest Lake.

He then was promoted to a highway engineer and became the District Traffic Superintendent, where he worked for 37 years. He was responsible for all state highway signing, traffic studies, traffic signals and detours, etc., helping counties, cities, local highway districts and school boards. For over 20 years he was a member of the Traffic Safety Committee and was chairperson for the Tri City Natural Resource Committee helping preserve many of our national forests, parks and lakes.

He served as chairperson for the Crusade Tabs known today as the United Way, helping the people and businesses in the community. He was involved with Junior Tackle Football, coached Little League baseball, softball, basketball and never missed a game or a father-daughter campfire girl banquet or dance recital. Jack loved bowling and led his bowling team to the American Congress League Bowling Championships.

In his retirement years, AARP contacted him and he became the State Coordinator for 12 states hiring state and local coordinators to teach a “55 Alive” driving course for seniors. LaWanda and Jack traveled extensively for AARP, went on many cruises and loved to golf.

In 2001 Jack suffered a major stroke, confining him to a wheelchair and his beloved wife, LaWanda, passed away in 2003. His daughter, Marla, moved back to care for him with granddaughter Alora and great-granddaughter Abbygale, where he never had a dull moment as he was surrounded by his loving family.

Jack Ross was a man of integrity, respect and worked hard to make sure his family was taken care of. He helped shape our community and was a major influence in shaping Coeur d'Alene into what it is today.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Marla, who cared for him for over 20 years, his granddaughter, Alora and great-granddaughter Abbygale who both were the apple of his eye, his daughter, Verona, and husband Bernd Jandeliet of Menlo Park, Calif., and their son, Nicolas, of whom Jack was very proud, his granddaughters, Shaleah Ross, of San Francisco, Calif., and Caitlan Ross of Chugiak, Alaska, his youngest son, Bennett Ross, and his younger brother, Robert (Bob) Ross of Hayden, Idaho.

Jack Ross was a father like no other. His wisdom and character will never be forgotten and he will remain forever in our hearts. There will be a Graveside Service held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, at Forest Cemetery, 1011 N. Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jack Ross, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Graveside Service

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Starts at 1:00 pm

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