With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Edward (Ed) Charles Ross Jr., 73, of Wilton, Wis., on Feb. 24, 2025, following a brief illness. Ed, a devoted son, brother, uncle, and faithful servant of God, peacefully entered the presence of the Lord, surrounded by his loving family.
Ed was born Oct. 4, 1951, at 8:35 a.m. to Edward and Shirley (Wambaja) Ross at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Ill. Raised in a home filled with love, he shared his childhood with his three brothers, who were his lifelong companions and closest friends. Ed was baptized into the Christian faith on April 19, 1953, at Zion English Evangelical Church in Elgin.
After graduating from St. Charles High School in 1969, Ed attended Elgin Community College and Illinois State University for four years before working at Stewart Warner Warehouse. In 1975, he moved to Wilton, where he farmed alongside his father until his retirement.
A longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilton, Ed was known for his unwavering faith. He sat faithfully in the last pew each Sunday, and for many years, he participated in the Maundy Thursday reenactment of the Lord’s Supper, playing the role of James, the Son of Alphaeus. Ed’s commitment to his church family was evident in many ways, including his generous blood donations for the church-sponsored Red Cross blood drive. To his church family, Ed was a beloved friend, and we find comfort knowing that now, he sits at the front of the church, close to the Lord.
A passionate fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs, Ed remained hopeful each season that “next year” would be their year. He loved spending Sundays watching football with his family and was an active participant in local sports, playing softball for Geier’s IGA and enjoying ice skating and hockey in his younger years.
Ed’s greatest love, second only to his faith, was his family. He took immense joy in hosting family gatherings, especially his legendary annual 4th of July fireworks show, always followed by his signature pineapple upside-down cake. Visits with Ed always ended with his warm and welcoming words, “Come again.”
Ed was preceded in death by his brother, Ron (Sue Ross Brueggen), and his parents, Edward and Shirley Ross. He is survived by his brothers, Larry (Vickie) and Rob (Lana), as well as his nieces, Sarah, Becky, Bethany, Caitie, Kristen, Erin, and Amanda; his nephews, Tim and Ryan; and many great-grandnieces and grand-nephews who will carry on his legacy.
Ed’s life was a mix of faith, humor, love, and an unshakable hope that one day, the Bears and Cubs would actually pull it off. While we’ll miss him, we know he’s enjoying a front-row seat in heaven, cracking jokes with the angels and reminding everyone there’s always next year. Rest in peace, Ed — you may not have won a Super Bowl, but you certainly won at life.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 401 Mill St., Wilton, Wis. Pastor Karen Sparling will officiate.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the church. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
