Michael John Ross

Michael’s service will be live streamed below starting at 1:45 p.m.

Michael was born in Fargo on April 14th to Charles Sr. and Katherine (Wilhelm) Ross. He grew up in Arthur, ND, attended school there and went on to lead cheers for the Knights. This was early indication he would chart his own unique path in life.

After graduation Mike first attended Mayville State College and later the University of North Dakota. He joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Texas and Madison, Wisconsin. Following his service, Mike returned to work at the family business, T.J. Ross Company in Arthur along with his father and brother Chuck. Their store carried a little bit of everything. Mike and Chuck later took over the business and ran the store until selling it. Mike retired at a young age. Going on to seek adventures in life to satisfy his natural curiosity, starting with continuing his education. He attended Gonzaga University in Washington and then Holy Apostles Seminary in Connecticut. He later returned to North Dakota.

In the summer of 1990 Mike met the love of his life, Marlin Olson at a party on a lake in Minnesota. They have been inseparable ever since. They purchased a lake home on West McDonald near Dent, Minnesota in 1997. Here they enjoyed entertaining many friends and relatives each summer. No matter what the occasion or setting, Mike never believed anything was excessive. Every meal was an ornate table-setting event including fine china, crystal goblets, silver, candelabras (if not several), fresh flowers, plenty of spirited conversation, food and beverages. It made no difference whether a dishwasher was available, the cleanup effort took a back seat to enjoying hours of conversation and music.

Mike had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for story-telling. He enjoyed playing elaborate pranks on people by relating extravagant stories to them. He delighted in drawing in the gullible until they eventually caught on to his embellishments.

Mike was a talented cook with a great eye for finding new recipes. He could find a recipe, shop for the ingredients, and have the meal ready by 12 pm almost every day. Very rarely was the recipe unsuccessful, even if he said he didn’t care for it. He enjoyed raising a large vegetable garden and canning or freezing the harvest. Two years ago, he processed over a hundred jars of tomatoes. Mike also enjoyed tending his flower beds and indoors plants in his sunroom.

It is doubtful anyone enjoyed shopping and finding a bargain more than Mike. He could be found several times a week at the local thrift stores, and if he found something he couldn’t use, he would pass along the deal to friends and family. He loved antiques and could often be found at auction and estate sales searching for treasures.

Several dogs received Mike’s care throughout his life. His last dog, Gus was a favorite. Mike took numerous pictures of him and never failed to laugh at Gus’ antics. This little guy could be found lying next to Mike while watching television or enjoying a nap together. Gus truly brought joy to Mike as he struggled with health issues for the last two years.

Day to day, Mike had a natural way of connecting with people. Evidenced by the large circle of close friends he and Marlin loved to spend time with. He was able to empathize with whatever difficulty someone was encountering. Taking time to tell them how special they were. Mike had a loving heart and will be so greatly missed by all who loved him.

Survivors include: his partner of 33 years Marlin Olson, four nephews, Robert (Cheryl), Timothy, Greg, and Chris Ross, and many cherished friends.