Ross Allan Misenheimer

Ross left this world on a warm and sunny afternoon and peacefully entered into Jesus’ arms, after battling his cancer with tenacity, head-on and strong, for 8 months. He was surrounded by his loving family, including his wife, Pam; their sons, Kirk(and wife Shana), Nathan (and wife Jen), and Shaun; his beloved baby sister, Donna; and his two granddaughters, Alison and Avery.

Ross was born in San Francisco and spent his early years living in Oakland with his parents and sisters. He met the love of his life - his high school sweetheart - when they were seniors; and Ross and Pam married in July 1972 when they were just 19 years old, with Ross selling his beloved ‘57 Chevy to give Pam her white church wedding! These two young kids beat all odds and were married almost 52 years! They had three sons: Kirk, Nathan, and Shaun, and settled in Soquel, CA, where they lived for 26 years. They joined St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, where Ross and Pam became youth group leaders, and Ross was a member of the church council for a number of years.

Ross loved working with his hands (carpentry, woodworking,brick laying, etc.), and was an amazing automotive mechanic, working at various shops and dealerships, and eventually opening his own automotive shop in the heart of Soquel Village. His son, Kirk, followed in his footsteps and started working with him, repairing vehicles at Ross and Sons Automotive. Nate followed suit in the auto industry as a parts specialist. 

The automotive shop became a hub of activity and hang out spotfor all of the kids’ friends - with anyone welcome at any time to stop by with automotive issues, along with discussions regardingteenage angst! The yells of “Hi Dad” or “Hi Pop” would ring out as loud cars would roar into the parking lot in front of the shop, usually staying for a lengthy visit!

In 2000, Ross and Pam, along with Kirk (his future wife, Shana), and (a year later) Nate (his wife, Jen)- moved to Coeur d Alene, Idaho. Ross then worked for Coldwater Creek (along with Pam); then Post Falls School District as the most caring and supportive school bus driver ever; and then, not one to sit around, started transporting muscle cars with his favorite helper, his son Shaun!

Ross will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his willingness to help anyone he met, and his quick wit and laughter. He was personable and so very friendly - and loved to talk and tell stories! And he really loved conspiring and setting up a good prank! Ross and Pam developed a love for collecting - and they were often out at antique shops and shows, with Ross searching for new additions to his vintage lunchbox collection! His negotiation tactics were legendary! 

Family time was most important to him- with camping and playing cards with the family topping the list. His granddaughter’s were the light of his life- and Alison and Avery(in his mind) were always perfect little angels! His acceptance of everyone that needed a father or grandfather also extended to numerous loved friends, including Todd and Robbie (his ‘adopted’ sons), and LeighAnn (his ‘adopted’ granddaughter).

Although we know that Ross is with our Heavenly Father and is now pain-free and at eternal peace, we will miss him deeplyevery single day! His loving and caring influence will carry through our family, and extended family, for years to come.

A Celebration of Ross’ Life will be held in September, at the family’s new ‘Ranch’. For more information, please contact Shana Misenheimer (Shana.M10@hotmail.com).