Anthony Robert Ross' Obituary
Anthony “Tony” Ross, devoted husband, proud dad, master of Halloween scares, and undisputed king of the mancave garage, Tony’s tender heart left this world on Sunday, September 21, 2025, just days before his 58th birthday. In typical Tony fashion, he was on a ladder making sure things got done. While we wish he had stayed grounded, his memory will remain forever in our hearts. Born September 27, 1967, in Big Stone City, South Dakota, Tony was the son of Robert (Bob) and Joanne (Joey) Ross. He was the fourth child, the baby of the family, and the only boy, adored by his three sisters Tami Apland of Fort Myers, FL; Chrysa (Bob) Croatt of Chaska, MN; and Nicki (Chris) Bartz of Fort Myers, FL.
Tony built a life that blended hard work, family devotion, and a healthy dose of curmudgeon humor. He was loved deeply by his wife of 31 years, Colleen, his son Preston, and daughter Allison.
Tony was a man of strong traditions and simple joys. Each fall, his house became a haunted masterpiece where he took equal delight in terrifying the big kids and treating the little ones. Year-round, he could be found in his garage—part workshop, part sanctuary—watching Gold Rush or Finding Big Foot, sipping a few Busch Lights, snacking on bread and butter pickles, or occasionally sneaking a nap on a barstool. He loved country music and Jimmy Buffet, and when he wore his beloved cowboy hat—affectionately named “Kenny”—he bore a striking resemblance to Kenny Chesney. Tony also loved to cook and was on his way to becoming a master smoker. True to form, he always made enough for the entire block. When the kids friends came by at dinnertime, they all knew his rule: “If you don’t eat the food, you can’t come over again.”
Above all, Tony was a family man. He was the proud father of his Boy, whom he coached in life, baseball, and bowling (and corrected with the occasional flick when needing a dose of common sense). He attended every gymnastics meet, which meant hours in a gym without a beer in sight, but he wouldn’t have missed a single one. Tony and his Baby Girl shared a special relationship, one that was full of joy, encouragement, and a deep bond only they understood. From her early days at Planet Spirit to cheering for Navarro and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, Tony was her steadfast supporter—proudly wearing his Navarro sweatshirt and glowing when people asked about her time on Netflix’s Cheer. Allie might have worn the uniform, but he was always Allie’s biggest cheerleader. He was also a tender uncle, tearing up at the accomplishments of his nieces and nephews, and the kind of brother and son who never missed a Sunday family call.
Tony had a way with dogs. Neighborhood pups knew to stop by his garage for treats, and his own dogs, Lexi, Lilo, and Stella, enjoyed a nightly ritual of puzzle balls and pup cups. He was a patient whisperer, a spoiler of pets, and the neighborhood pups will surely miss the treats and scratches Tony always shared with them. There wasn’t a dog Tony didn’t love, and there wasn’t a dog who didn’t love Tony.
At work, Tony’s strong work ethic reflected his character—he valued punctuality, dependability, and doing things the right way. He showed up on time every day at Wyatt Seal and put his whole heart into the job. His colleagues will remember his consistency and dedication, and the respect he showed for his own time, his coworkers’ time, and the work itself. For Tony, work wasn’t just a responsibility, it was a commitment. His lawn was immaculate, his truck spotless, his work ethic unquestionable. He was the kind of man who would drop everything to help someone else, but never once asked for help in return. Never one for the Minnesota long goodbye, Tony believed in a simple exit: when he was ready to leave, he left.
Family gatherings defined Tony’s summers. At Big Stone Lake, he fished, boated, played cribbage with his dad and brothers-in-law, and masterminded fireworks displays that shook both the sky and the neighborhood. He was the rallying force for both family and neighbors—whether at the Fourth of July, neighborhood parties or in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, when he helped his sisters recover and rebuild.
Tony and Colleen’s love story began in Big Stone, where teenage Colleen first crossed paths with the boy who would become her one and only. His sisters famously “voted” Colleen into the family, knowing she was the perfect match for their baby brother. They married at the lake and built a life filled with laughter, hard work, and a backyard garden that became their shared masterpiece. Together they grew vegetables, canned salsa, and perfected their spaghetti sauce (thanks to his sister Tami), side by side. They were more than a couple; they were a team, working together in all things big and small.
Tony will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, his tender heart, and his catchphrase, “Is it beer time yet?” His legacy lives on in the pride of his children, the love of his family, the laughter of his friends, and the countless memories made in a garage that was never just a garage.
We will be having a memorial service on Saturday, October 18th from 1:00-4:00 at the Osseo-Maple Grove American Legion Post #172. 260 4th Avenue SE, Osseo, MN 55369.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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