Earl W. Rossman

Earl William Rossman, age 77 of Minneapolis died peacefully surrounded by his family on March 13, 2008. Preceded in death by wife, Sue Rossman in August 2007. Survived by brother, Tom Rossman (Sandi); son, Bill Rossman (Connie); daughter, Andrea Kessler (Donlee); son, John Rossman (Tracie); stepson, Colonel George Brandt, M.D. and grandchildren: Olivia, Catherine, Maria, Anna, Ryan, Benjamin, Jenny, Leigh, Bethany and Charlie. Born on July 20, 1930, Earl graduated from Roosevelt High School where he was a champion wrestler. He was on the wrestling and tennis teams at the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a degree in journalism. In the 1950s, Earl was a professional saxophone player and performed with the Gene Autry Orchestra. He spent many years as a copywriter in the Minnesota advertising industry and also owned a small business before retiring. In his later years, Earl volunteered at the Memorial Blood Center and the Park House in Minneapolis. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone at local nursing homes and providing encouragement to heart surgery patients through the Mended Hearts program at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital. Earl was an avid bridge player and loved spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife, Sue. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association. Funeral mass will be held Tuesday March 18, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at St. Helena Catholic Church, 3204 East 43rd Street Minneapolis, MN. Private interment at Gethsemane Cemetery.