Lester Ross

Name: Visitation
Start: 10/22/2024 09:00 AM
End: 10/22/2024 11:00 AM
Location: Delehanty Funeral Home

January 26, 1930 — October 16, 2024

Lester “Jack” Eugene Ross, 94, of Rockford, IL, joined his beloved wife Bonita, in Heaven on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Jack was born in Jerome, ID, on January 26, 1930, the son of Joe and Dorothy (Fox) Ross. They moved to Loves Park, IL, where Jack graduated from Harlem High School in 1948. After graduating, he joined the Marine Reserves and trained in Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, NC. Jack then served in the Korean Conflict, where he fought in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign, whose participants became forever known as the “Frozen Chosin.” He was decorated with two Purple Hearts. After serving, Jack went to Milton College in Milton, WI, where he played football, and earned a degree in education. After graduating, he returned to Rockford and began working for Illinois Bell, where he met his wife, Bonita Irelan. They were married on September 19, 1959. After leaving Illinois Bell he became an entrepreneur, opening the nation’s first Mr. Steak franchise restaurant, located in Rockford. He and Bonita went on to open four more Mr. Steak locations in the Rockford area. While running restaurants, Jack became a successful boys’ baseball coach, taking five teams to AABC Pee Wee Reese World Series Tournaments. After leaving the restaurant business, he worked at the Rockford Register Star for ten years, where he eventually retired. Avid Chicago Bear and Cubs fan. Jack and Bonita had four children. Survivors include his children, Kevin (Jennifer), Steven (Sara), Patrick (Tess Andrada), Michelle (Grant Cleaveland); nine grandchildren, Erin (Anthony Examitas), Brian, Andrew (Nicole), Julian (Willow), Rachel, Ethan (Heather), Emily, Aidan, and Jaxon; and one great-grandson, Evan Examitas. Predeceased by his parents; and wife. Thank you to the staff of Trustwell Living at Cherryvale Place and Heartland Hospice for their care of and kindness to Jack and our family.

Memorial service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 9 a.m. to service time. Private inurnment in Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

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