Fred J. Ross, 89, of Hampton, IL, went home to his Lord after a long struggle Friday, April 21, 2017, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA. Visitation is 4-7 PM Wednesday, April 26 at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline. Funeral services are at 11 AM Thursday, April 27 at Wildwood Baptist Church, East Moline where he was a long-standing member. Burial is in Hampton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Friends of Israel, Youth Hope or Wildwood Baptist Church. Fred was born on November 21, 1927 in East Moline, the son of Fred V. and Agnes Havir Ross. He had worked at John Deere Spreader, Foundry and retired from Parts and Distribution in inspection in 1982. Fred Served in the US Army during WWII. Fred went on a blind date and met the ultimate love of his life, Helen Gallagher, to whom he was wedded 37 years. He fiercely loved his family. He was a man who grew through wisdom from being a reserved person to being a Faithful father figure to many. He was passionate about bringing as many to Christ as he could. He taught Sunday School & Bible lessons with heart and guided without criticism. Of special concern were his children and grandchildren. In addition to being a lover of creation, he was more than an avid fisherman, he could "think like a fish". Keen observation of creation lead him to be an expert organic gardener and beekeeper. He was exacting in his use of his professional skills at Deere and had very high standards. Many at his table appreciated his phenomenal cooking skills developed through steady refinement. He would rather be right with someone, than to be right. He was a stand-up guy, a man of integrity, deeply loved and lived Faithfully one day at a time. Survivors include his wife, Helen; children, Sandy (Mark) Rice, Hampton, Mark (Laurie) Vanderboom, Maple Valley, WA, Todd (Ann) Ross, Lake Zurich, IL, Anthony (Ruth) Boom, Moline, Sherrie (Mark) Copeland, Silvis, and Julie (Michael) Gray, Hillsdale; grandchildren, Lucy Santos, Maple Valley, WA, Marissa Jezusko, Apple Valley, MN, Kari Linn, Columbus, NE, Amy Ross, Santa Cruz, CA, Ryan Boom, Rock Island, Erin Kristoffersen, Lund Denmark, Hannah Ridge, Guam, James Ross, Billings, MT, Adam Gray, Traverse City, MI; great grandchildren, Ruby & Silas Santos, Maple Valley, WA, Ben, Emma & Zach Jezusko, Apple Valley, MN, Daniel & Andreas Kristoffersen, Lund, Denmark, Ender & Lily Ridge, Guam, Addison Gray, Traverse City, MI, & Ainsley Linn, Columbus, Nebraska and his brother, Frank (Pat) Ross, East Moline. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Van Hoe Funeral Home 1500 Sixth Street East Moline, Illinois 61244

Thursday, April 27, 2017 11:00 AM

Wildwood Baptist Church 18717 Hubbard Rd East Moline, Illinois 61244