Donald Ross Pugsley, lovingly known to his family and friends as Ross, was born Dec. 8, 1945 at Elmore, Minn. The son of Donald and Clara (Mason) Pugsley, he moved with his family to Rush City, Minn., in 1954.

Ross attended Rush City schools and during his high school years enjoyed playing basketball and participating in track and field. He also enjoyed fishing at the Pugsley cabin in Northome, Minn. He often brought many of his friends along, telling them there were fish in the lake that were as big as humans!

In 1966, Ross married the former Vicki Mattson of Rush City. They made their home in Rush City where Ross owned a sports shop and was employed at Plastech Corporation. He later took a five year job transfer with Plastech and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, returning to Rush City in 1993.

In May of 1994, Ross married Patricia (Harmon) Nelson of Rush City. They enjoyed spending time at the cabin in Northome, where they could leisurely pass many hours simply sitting around a fire, enjoy each otherís company, and talk with family and friends. Ross and Pat also spent a lot of time on the trails, either snowmobiling or four-wheeling, and would often bring food along to have a picnic in the woods.
Ross enjoyed watching TNB, listening to Christian music, and sharing his love of his Lord with family and friends. His family was very special to him and he particularly enjoyed seeing his five grandchildren grow up, including watching the twins play soccer this past year.

On Nov. 7, 2004, Ross died at his home in Pine City, Minn., having reached the age of 58 years.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; his daughter and son-in-law: Patricia and Alex Dettman of Spring Lake Park, Minn.; his sons and daughter-in-law: Patrick Pugsley of Rush City and Troy and Chris Pugsley of Ham Lake, Minn.; five grandchildren; his mother, Clara Pugsley, of Rush City; sisters and brothers-in-law: Barbara Pugsley of Rush City, Norma and Robert Gable of Minneapolis, Minn., Charlotte and Del Johnston of White Bear Lake, Betty and Lloyd Gilbey of Rush City; brother and sister-in-law: Lawrence and Carol Pugsley of University Park, Iowa; his stepchildren: Todd and Stephanie Nelson, Ivanhoe, Minn., Lisa Nelson, Hugo, Minn., Chad Nelson, Pine City, and Ryan Nelson, Marshall, Minn.; five step-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Pugsley, an infant son, and step-grandson, Levi.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City with Pastor Tim Adams officiating. The musicians for the service were Virginia Shuey, Margaret Marty, and Gordon Marty. Casket bearers were Todd Nelson, Mark Gable, Chad Nelson, Dan Bruton, Ryan Nelson, and Lavern Pugsley with interment at First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service, Olson Chapel, Rush City, Minn.

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