On Sunday, May 26th, Ross Palmer Gettrust – beloved husband, father, and friend –passed away at the age of eighty-four after an eight-year battle with Prostate Cancer. Ever the optimist, Ross saw himself as the victor, cherishing every moment with his family after receiving his initial stage four diagnosis. True to his childhood nickname, Ross “the fox,” Gettrust slyly slipped away while surrounded by his loving family as they shared their favorite memories of him.
Born to Joseph Foard Gettrust and Winifred Alice Schramm, Ross was the second of three spirited boys. Growing up in Ohio, Ross cherished his childhood and formed lifelong memories with his brothers. Athletically gifted, witty, and loyal, Ross was well-liked by his peers and earned the title of Captain on his high school football team. Despite a high school teacher telling him he wasn’t smart enough for college, Ross proved them wrong when he graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor’s and later a master’s in physical education and coaching.
Ross was a sports enthusiast and a lifelong fan of the Packers and Badgers. Although a career-ending injury cut short his college football career as a Wisconsin Badger running back short, his love for the game never faltered. Football remained his favorite sport, and Bart Starr was his favorite player. His family knows it’s no coincidence that Ross passed away five years to the day after his favorite Packer. Like every year before, he was eagerly anticipating the 2024 football season.
His 40-year career as a PE teacher at Waterford Union High School and coach made him the perfect game-watching companion. He had an uncanny ability to predict plays and referee calls before they happened. He loved coaching his sons’ wrestling and football teams and often said he chose to become a gym teacher specifically to remain involved in sports.
Ross had a wide array of interests and a wealth of knowledge in landscaping, home projects, gardening, antiques, grilling, and history. He could recognize any type of wood and enjoyed antiquing for RedWing crocks. He loved Buddy Holly and always had the radio tuned to play hits from the 50s and 60s whenever he was driving. Gifted with an incredible sense of direction, he was also the best kind of backseat driver.
Ross’s TV was always turned to the news and political talk shows; yet somehow, that never dulled his optimism. His elder brother introduced him to Jameson, his drink of choice for special occasions. Strong-willed and determined, he was a good listener with a mellow spirit and wise advice. He gave the best hugs and loved his family fiercely.
In his early forties, Ross met the love of his life at a Disco in Milwaukee. The two were married for over forty years, and he would often say that he never had a bad day after he met Lynn. He was a pillar within the Gettrust family, and his sons, daughter, and extended family were the most important things to him.
Ross was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, his mother, Winifred, his brother, Joseph, and his son, Ross Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Lynn, their daughter, Maja (Matt), as well as his son from his first marriage, Eric. He also leaves behind his brother John, brother-in-law, Bob (Chris), sister-in-law Bronya, nephews Patrick and Danny (Ellen), nieces Katrina (Brooks) and Allison, and great-nieces Trinity, Felicity, and Minerva. He also leaves behind a slightly anxious but lovable border collie named Mosby.
A Celebration of Ross’s Life will be held in early fall, his favorite season.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ProHealth Care Cancer Center, whose dedicated care was crucial for Ross’s treatment, or AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, which provided a respectful, peaceful place for Ross’s final days. The family is forever grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped give us more precious time with this irreplaceable man.
Ross’s legacy of wisdom, humor, strength, and love will forever remain in our hearts.
For information on the Celebration of Life for Ross, please visit rossgettrust.com.
