Obituaries

Alden "Pete" Ross

January 10, 1935 - January 07, 2023

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Obituary For Alden "Pete" 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

Services

28 Jan

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
28 Jan

Celebration of Life Service

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 25, 2023

    Dear Robin, Viki and Pete, Your Dad was my 12th grade homeroom teacher. After reading all the great accolades regarding Pete, not only as a great teacher of social studies, but a GREAT PERSON to those lives he touched I wanted to share how he touched my life starting in 1961, his first year of teaching and my year of graduating. Mr. Ross shared and helped us with all our "fun" homeroom activities - building floats, , etc. He also came to our class reunions (I remember getting to sit with him and Your Mom, Nancy ) He also came to our 60th reunion and sat with my twin brother, Steve my sister Ginny and Sarah. The thing I remember most is that he was my brother in law, Dave's DEAR FRIEND. I hope you have many good memories to share as a family. Love, Dolly (Helen Wagner - Class of 1961)- Mr. Ross's 1st year of teaching.

  • January 22, 2023

    Mr Ross was my social studies teacher at East in the '70s. He was a great teacher, one of my favorites. So sorry to hear of his passing.

  • January 17, 2023

    I am a 1972 graduate of East High, and Mr. Ross was my social studies teacher. He was one of my favorite teachers at East. His teaching style reached all types of student learners and I learned a lot from him. Sarah Vaillancourt was also my homeroom teacher. In honor of Mr. Ross, I made a donation to the scholarship fund.

  • January 16, 2023

    I would like to first offer my deepest condolences to Sarah and the rest of the Ross extended family. Pete Ross was my Non-Western World teacher at East. A teacher of compassion for his students and passion for his discipline. He commanded a respect for other cultures at a time when little respect was given. He brought humor and inquisitiveness into his classroom that engaged his students. He, along with several of his colleagues helped develop a love of history in this young man from the North side. Pete later became a colleague, even though he retired before I returned to East as a history teacher myself. We got to talk a lot while he and Dave, Jim, and George wrote their history of East. Along with one of my UW professors, Pete helped me develop my teaching style--of which I most grateful. I have also patterned my leadership style as department chair on his precedent. Pete Ross is a giant in the history of East Side High School. He leaves a legacy of thousands of Purgolders who have gone on to be active and productive members of our country. Like a fellow Purgolder said in their post, he has planted seeds of greatness that are blooming today and will spread his message of warmth, love, understanding. What a wonderful life he lived, and I am grateful to have been a small part of it.

  • January 15, 2023

    He was the best teacher I ever had. He brought history to life when I had him at East High School. He peaked my interest in history I carried with me my whole life. Thank you Mr. Ross, you were the best. Condolences to his family. 🙏

  • January 12, 2023

    Dear Ross Family, I love that sappy Hallmark commercial when the student gives her old teacher a card to say thank you and then reads it out loud: "Who in their life hasn't planted a seed just hoping that somehow something would grow. You may not remember all the things you have done, but everywhere around you seeds are growing and people are blooming I know ... I'm one of them." Your father was one of those seed planters. 😊 Having lived/worked in over 70 countries around the world, your father helped open the world to me and gave me the confidence to leave Madison, take chances, and explore outside of my comfort zone. He was a rare gem and was a true blessing to his students at East High School. I am grateful that I was able to spend time beneath his wings. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate his life! Julia Bolz, East High School class of '79

  • January 11, 2023

    I will always remember World Cultures class. Mr. Ross instilled in me the love of Greco-Romano Classical architecture. The knowledge I gained came in handy while studying art and architecture in Spain. He was one of the teachers who inspired me to continue learning about other cultures and to become a Spanish and ESL teacher. He was an excellent teacher. My deepest condolences. -Rhonda EHS '91

  • January 10, 2023

    I remember two teachers from my school years... Mr. Ross was one. Very kind and fun teacher. My condolences to the Ross family. Luci (Nyland) Becker, class of '84.

  • January 10, 2023

    Ross family, I am sorry for your loss. Pete was my teacher, my cooperative teacher when I student taught for him and my friend. He lived across the way from my parents condo in Cherokee and I went and saw him many times. I learned a lot from him.

  • January 10, 2023

    I really enjoyed Mr Ross in class. He was as true man through and through. Jeff hugill class of 1983.

  • January 09, 2023

    Mr. Ross was one of the best people I've known and certainly the best high school teacher I had - and I had many good teachers. Mr. Ross was special though - he saw that I was this lost, bored 16 year old kid with potential and offered me encouragement and hope; he lent me books from his personal library in an attempt to keep me engaged - his influence and belief in me kept me going that year. I stayed in touch with him for a while when I was working on my undergraduate degree, running into him at my younger brother's freshman football games. I thanked him then for his help and kindness. I hope he knew what a difference he made. I feel very fortunate to have known him. Sincere condolences - he was a wonderful teacher and mentor. Terri Vlasak

  • January 09, 2023

    Great guy Great teacher

Tributes

  • Gracious Lavender Basket

    Gracious Lavender Basket was sent for Alden "Pete" Ross - January 22, 2023

  • 5 TREES

    5 Trees were planted in memory of Alden "Pete" Ross - January 26, 2023

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