ELDON "AL" C. ROSSOW

Jan. 28, 1927 - Aug. 22, 2012 SOUTH BEND - Eldon Charles "Al" Rossow passed away in his home on Wednesday, August 22, 2012. He was born on January 28, 1927, in Buchanan, Michigan, to Emil H. and Loydi I. (Rossow) Rossow.

Preceding him in death besides his parents were his brother, Vernon Rossow, and his stepfather, Forest Mayes.

Al moved to South Bend and graduated from Central High School in January 1945. He served in the United States Air Force as a sergeant and was stationed in Germany with the occupation forces. He attended South Bend College of Commerce, earning a certificate in accounting.

On July 5, 1947, Al married Marilyn Kuhn. They have five children, James (Peggy), Thomas (Judy), Dennis (Gail), Sheryl (Michael Randles) and Sandra (Douglas Meyer). They also have four grandchildren, Daniel, David, Amanda and Kenneth, as well as one great-grandson, Wade. Al loved his family above all and was especially proud that all five of his children are university graduates.

Al was owner of Al's Bike Shop in the early 1960s. After retiring from Clark Equipment Company in 1982, he worked his "dream job" at Knollwood Golf Course for eighteen years, making many good friends and enjoying his favorite pastime. He had been an enthusiastic golfer almost all of his life, and spent many happy times on area courses and traveling on golf trips. Al was also an avid bridge player. He enjoyed competing in tournaments and playing with his partner and friends at the South Bend Bridge Center. He attained the status of Bronze Life Master. Al also liked to be outdoors and loved to travel. He and Marilyn drove in all 48 contiguous states. Al was a lifetime fan of IU basketball and Chicago Cubs baseball. He was a longtime member of American Legion Post 303 and South Bend Elks 235. He was also a faithful member of River Park United Methodist Church for over 65 years.

Memorial services for Al will be 6:00 pm Thursday, August 30, 2012, in Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, with Rev. Thomas Thews officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 - 6:00 pm Thursday in the funeral home prior to services. Contributions in memory of Al may be donated to his church, River Park United Methodist Church, 920 S. 23rd Street, South Bend, IN 46615. Online condolences may be left for the Rossow family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 27, 2012.

02/25/2023 EJS