Ross Edwards
February 23, 1918 ~ April 10, 2012
Ross W. “Gus” Edwards age 94 of Fredericksburg died Tuesday morning, April 10, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2012, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg with Rev. Ronnie Koch presiding.
Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg with Kenneth Harada, Jerry Newton, Steve Staker, Jack Schult, Roger Schmudlach and Bill Mulder. Honorary pallbearers are Donald Meier, Keith Kreun, James Stewart, James Hotz and Alice Fenneman.
Friends may greet the family 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday.
If so desired, memorials may be given to the Ross W. Edwards Scholarship Fund c/o Northeast Iowa Security Bank in Fredericksburg.
Ross Wilbur “Gus' Edwards was born February 23, 1918, in Oxford Junction, IA, the son of Earl and Hazel (Allen) Edwards. Ross graduated from the Marion High School in Marion, IA in 1936, and then received a B.A. Degree from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA in 1940. In 1952, he received his Master’s Degree in School Administration from Drake University, Des Moines.
On February 7, 1942, Ross was united in marriage to Luella Ladwig of Callender, IA. To this union two sons were born, Larry and Bruce. Ross served 58 years, from 1940 until 2003, in the field of education. He spent two years as a coach and principal in Callender, Iowa before being inducted into the United States Navy. He served his country in WWII for 3 years as an aviation Mechanic aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid.
Following his time in the Navy, Ross served the community of Fredericksburg for six years as a high school coach and principal and 29 years as Superintendent of Schools. He was on the Board of Trustees for the Northeast Iowa Community College for 22 years, where in 2001, he received the Trustee of the Year Award. His memberships also included St. Paul Lutheran Church, a charter member of the Fredericksburg Lions Club and a former secretary/treasurer of the Plum Creek Golf Club.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Luella; two sons, Larry (Jill) Edwards of Rochester, MN and Bruce Edwards of Fairfax, VA; four grandchildren, Brock (Julie) Edwards of Rochester, MN, Emma Edwards of Rochester, MN, Sonya (Jay) Kershenstein of Fairfax, VA and Eric (Ashley) Edwards of NC; six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Allen Edwards.
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My deepest sympathy to Gus’s family. He was a wonderful superintendent ! Even though his voice was gruff to a high schooler; I loved his laugh. My God bless his soul. Jan and Lance Manson
SYMPATHIES, YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS. HAVE THE FAITH TO UPHOLD YOU…. LOVING MEMORIES, WHICH ARE TREASURES OF THE HEART. HAD ALOT OF RESPECT FOR MR. EDWARDS & HIS FAMILY. PEACE BE W/ YOU ALL!!!!!
Sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to all your family.
Dear Lu & Family: Terry and I want to send our deepest sympathy to your Lu, and your family, in the loss of your dear husband, Gus. As you know he has held a special place in my heart for a very long time. He and I became such good friends all the time I was in H.S. and working with all the coaches and athletes. We came to know we could really trust each other. And after I graduated, we always enjoyed each other’s company. I always loved his ability to look at the facts, sort them out, and come to a good decision. Oh sometimes we didn’t exactly see eye to eye, but we trusted each other enough to know that’s just how this decisio had to be. And I so loved his sense of humor, we always had to share a joke when we got together. I so wish Terry and I could be there with you for the visitation and services, but my health just does not allow me to travel much at all. And that 150 mile ride is just too much. You know that we are there in spirit. We will certainly keep you and your family in our prayers now and in the coming days. We have lost a good man, but he accomplished so much in his lifetime…just think of all the community events he was involved in or planned them. I pray that your own health is tolerable..this aging isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, huh?? We send our love and some hugs your way, and may God Bless you always. Mark & Terry P.S. please tell Bruce I say hello to him and hope he is doing well; and so thankful that Larry could be with you during these last times to offer you help each day. M.
I would like to extend my sympathy to your family. I did not know Ross personally, but as an employee of NICC I am grateful for his leadership role and contribution to the prosperity of our communities. May treasured memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Ross. I have such wonderful memories of our time with him. He always had time to listen to me and wanted to hear about my life. He truly cared about every individual he encountered. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am celebrating my 24th year of teaching. I am not sure that I can break Gus’s record of 58 years in education! What an inspiration he is to us all! Love, Christine, Mark and Kelby Thone (Sandie’s daughter) 🙂
Dear Ross famliy, I am sorry about your lost of husband,dad , grandpa and thoghts and prayers. He was really nice person.
Dear Lu, Larry & Bruce, You guys have been close in thought and prayer this week. All the memories of growing up 2 doors down, being so comfortable with ‘Gus’ that I called him by his first name on my first day in 7th grade (oops) and always knowing where Mom and Dad were if they weren’t at home! Gus was a fine man that lived a life of integrity and service to his God, his family and his community. Peace be to his memory. Love, Bruce & Stacey
Luella and family, I remember fondly Ross and his work as a Trustee at NICC. Students always came first with him. I also know of his love for the game of golf and I looked forward to sharing time with him at NICC foundation golf tournaments. You and your family will be in my prayers. Bob Maxson
I have many fond (& funny) memories of Ross, dating back to my kindergarten year in school. Blessed to have had him in my life! ~Angie
Mr. Edwards personally helped me to graduate by helping me with my classes after school. He didn’t have to but he did anyway. God Bless you Gus!!! Michael Ball
As the prior Provost of the Peosta Campus at NICC, I worked with Ross when he was a board member. He was such a calm, intelligent, warm and kind person who I so respected. He made such a difference for all of us at NICC, particularly the students. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Cindy
Luella and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gus was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Dean & Judy Speicher
Mr Ross Edwards has left his earthly life for a more rewarding eternal life in Heaven. His legacy will be forever remembered for his dedicated service to the community of Fredericksburg as a leader, a worker, an organizer, an educator, a devoted husband and father and a friend. He will be missed by the many who’s lives have been impacted in one way or another by his passion for education and service. God bless, Coach Steve Staker
Luella and family, Gus was my favorite substitute teacher and I enjoyed working with him at the golf course! He will truly be missed by all. You are in our prayers at this difficult time. Tod,Dena, and Zachary Palmer