Alden Ross

MADISON – Alden “Pete” Ross, age 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Pete was born on January 10, 1935 in Neillsville, WI to Laird and Alice (Alden) Ross.

He grew up in Waukesha, WI and graduated from Waukesha High School. In 1953, he enrolled at Carroll College, and entered the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class. He joined the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and met his future wife, Nancy Lee Weeks. Pete earned degrees in History and Sociology, and his secondary education teaching license -- while working 30 hours a week in a grocery store.

After his graduation, Pete and Nancy were married on July 13, 1957. They headed to Quantico, VA where Pete was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserves. He and Nancy cherished their newlywed memories of Pete’s time in Basic Training, and of living in a rented garden cottage on the estate of General Lemuel Shepherd. That April, Pete was assigned to Infantry at Camp Pendleton, where he held a variety of positions and was promoted to first lieutenant. Anyone who knew Pete (or met Pete) knew that he treasured the formative experience of his Marine Corps service.

In 1959, they had their first child, Pete completed his service and the family moved to Madison, where he began his 35-year teaching career at Madison East High School. They soon had three children under three years old. Pete spent most of his career as Social Studies teacher, and was department head from 1984 until his retirement. He was passionate about teaching young people to learn about other cultures, to think critically and to participate in discussion. He created World Culture classes focused on African and Middle Eastern history, which he described as a labor of love. He cared deeply about his students -- leading extracurricular activities including Model United Nations, student government advisor, football assistant and worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for East’s BIPOC students. He enjoyed his role as student activities advisor and famously hired Cheap Trick to play a dance in the school gym. In his later years, he delighted in encounters with former students and in letters they sent thanking him for his influence.

In his graduate work at the University of Wisconsin, he was a teaching assistant and co-teacher in a High School Methods class, and a research assistant in Educational Psychology. He took great pleasure in mentoring young teachers and the student teachers in his classroom.

In 1966, he received a grant to study at Georgetown University, and moved his young family there for a hot, humid summer filled with visits to historical sites. Pete received many professional accolades, including being named Madison’s 1991 Teacher of the Year. He always said that his most meaningful acknowledgements came when two senior classes asked him to speak at their graduations – the first teacher ever so honored.

He retired in 1994 and looked forward to years of travel with Nancy. They went to Paris and London, but Nancy was diagnosed with brain cancer that August. He cared for her with utter devotion and was heartbroken when she died nine months later.

Pete recovered by spending time with loved ones and travelling, including a long-anticipated trip to Africa with sister-in-law Vickie.

In 2004, Pete and his close friend and fellow teacher Dave Martinson wrote a book chronicling the history of East High to commemorate the school’s 75th year. At an anniversary event, he reconnected with former colleague Sarah Vaillancourt. They eventually became engaged and split their time between Pete’s Madison condo and Sarah’s in Destin, FL. They traveled extensively, played cards, attended theater and concerts, golfed, socialized with other Florida snowbirds and spent time with friends and family. Pete said that Sarah made his life full again.

Pete was diagnosed with vascular dementia, and after 15 years with Sarah, he required a move into a care facility at Oak Park Place in Madison. He looked forward to Sarah’s weekly Facetime visits until the final days of his life.

He was devoted to his children and grandchildren. He loved nothing better than to be surrounded by family and was thrilled when the entire clan showed up to celebrate his 80th birthday. Pete was a loving, active and involved father to his kids; attending their sporting events; teaching them to ski and waterski; and taking them on family vacations. He was a truly good person: his family strives to emulate his character, strong work ethic and enthusiasm for life. They also inherited his nearly pathological need to be punctual, which is a source of many family jokes.

His grandchildren were a complete joy and source of pride to Pete. He planned a special trip with each one, sharing the places and activities he loved. They all cherish these memories.

His sense of humor, ready smile and friendly nature filled Pete’s life with many dear friends. Pete relished time passed with the people he loved. He enjoyed reading, golf, euchre, poker, canoeing and hiking. He was a great fan of Wisconsin sports, rooting for the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and of course, the Purgolders.

Pete is survived by his children, Robin (Mark Henning) Ross-Henning, Viki (Lawrence “Bud”) Bergie, and Pete (Terri) Ross; grandchildren, Amy (John), Ross (Rachel), Alex (Elaine), Reed, Nick, Brian, Kevin, and Max; fiancée, Sarah Vaillancourt; brothers-in-law, Don (Beverly) Anderson and Ron (Mary Beth) Marino; and sisters-in-law, Vickie (Colby) Martin and Chris (John) Baker. He is further survived by much-loved nieces, nephews, other family and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Nancy; grandson, Ted; and sisters, Sylvia Anderson and Nancy Marino.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. A 10 AM visitation will precede the memorial, followed by a luncheon.

The family extends its deepest thanks to the staff at Oak Park Place – Memory Care II and his team of caregivers from Agrace Hospice, for their excellent and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Pete may donate in his name to a scholarship fund for collegebound East High students through the Milton McPike Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund at the Madison Public Schools Foundation.

https://schoolsmakemadison.org/donate/funds/milton-mcpike-memorial-scholarship-endowment-fund/

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257