Memorial
Jean Nielsen Ross, 93, died peacefully at home on October 14, 2017. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 1:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. After a reception at St. Mark’s, burial will be at Cedar Memorial.
Born on April 29, 1924 in Algona, Iowa, Jean was the daughter of Danish immigrants, Alex and Signe Nielsen. After graduation from Algona High School in 1942, she went on to study nursing at the University of Iowa, earning a degree in 1946. On December 15, 1945, she married the love of her life, George Ross.
A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, her white nursing shoes embodied a dedication to nursing as well as providing for her family and support for her husband through graduate school. Her career included working as an RN at St. Luke’s Hospital, a nursing instructor, acting director of the School of Practical Nursing, and administrator in nursing service at St. Luke’s. Later, Jean was a school nurse in an early childhood program, elementary school, and high school.
Not only was Jean a masterful cook in addition to her professional career, she also shared her time and talents with the Indian Creek Nature Center, PEO Chapter KJ for 63 years, involvement with St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, participation in the Danish Brotherhood, and association with HAGGIS, the Gaelic Society.
A keen interest in her inherited ethnic cuisine had many friends and family enjoying Jean’s delectable creations, such as a Danish layer cake, rolls, and kransekage. Vacations found the inseparable George and Jean traveling the country on camping trips, bicycle riding, sailing, and antiquing.
Left to share fond memories of Jean are George Ross, her husband of 71 years; children Nancy Christensen (Donald), Patti Knutson (Karl), Lachlan Ross (Mary), David Ross (Cheryl); grandchildren Katherine Morgan (Mike), Elizabeth Langston (Rod), Alicia Boettcher (Al), Chad Ross (Meredith), Peter Knutson (Yasmin), Laura Ross, Michael Ross (Megan), Amy Ross; great-grandchildren Connor, Lauren, Ashley, Alex, Noah, Magdalena, Ezekiel, Asher; brother Fritz Nielsen, sisters-in-law Thanna Franey and Jimmy Lou Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Jean’s death are her parents, brothers Jerome and Glen Nielsen, sister Karen, and grandchildren David and Kyle.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Mercy Hospice, Krista Woltman and The Caregivers, and many members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church whose heartfelt time with Jean was special.
Memorials may be given in Jean’s memory to the Indian Creek Nature Center or a children’s ministry of one’s own choosing.