The world lost a great man, Ross (Rossie) Edward Ritchie, on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Ross was born on Nov. 19,1953 in Prairie du Chien and lived most of his life in his hometown with a Winter-cation to St. Pete’s Beach Florida for the last 14 years. While growing up on the river he enjoyed time at the turtle pond, running around with neighborhood friends, hunting, fishing, boating and camping. With a love for wildlife, it was not uncommon for Ross to bring home injured animals’ to rehabilitate as well as his annual crusade to save turtles. Ross and Pam loved riding motorcycle and traveled to many national parks with great friends.
He held a variety of jobs throughout his life; many of the years were spent as a rural route mail carrier where he made lifelong connections. Every person he served has a story of kindness to talk about Ross, the rural route mail carrier.
Ross was a part of the notorious UDBs, a group of close friends since grade school consisting of Eric Frydenlund, Tom Floyd, Keith Govier, Bill Haffs, and the late Stan Garnsworthy. The UDBs continued to meet, support and spend time with each other creating mischief until the week of his death.
He contributed to his community in many ways, serving the Prairie du Chien School Board, city council, numerous city committees and the Opportunity Center Board of Directors. His commitment to family was deep and he loved spending time with his wife, kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in the backyard by the pond he built himself. Ross would do anything for those he loved, and this was felt by all who knew him.
Ross had his own mind and lived with great integrity. A man of few words, the words he chose to speak were that much more meaningful. Ross suffered greatly from Parkinson’s Disease for 19 years and persevered through physical and emotional pain. Ross touched many in his lifetime and will continue to impact people through his death. One of his final wishes was to donate his brain to advance Parkinson’s research and help others plagued by Parkinson’s. Ross made this world a better place and we are all blessed to have loved such a great man.
Ross is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Edith (Lechnir) Ritchie and brother Jim Ritchie, mother and father-in-law Dick and Eunice (Curtis) Dagnon. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Pam (Dagnon) Ritchie, son Gabriel Ross Ritchie (Kristin), daughters Somer Clark (Brian), Kristy Knoble, and Tisha Mae Earle. Grandchildren Jordan (Christina), Gabrielle (Ericka), Brooklyn Ross, Harper, Kylie (Ian), Patrick, Alaina, Myles, Eleanor, Kalli, Eowyn (Grace) and Aliya. Great grandchildren Liam and Enzo, expecting an additional two. Sisters Kim Bergman (Jim) and Janet Wachter (Randy), sister-n-law Paula Reif (Ron), and many nieces and nephews. Foster children Maria Garcia, Felisha Kober, and Shawna Wellumson.
A Celebration of Life for Ross was held from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, August 30, at The Country Club, Prairie du Chien. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.
The family of Ross would like to thank the Agrace Hospice Glacier team and the staff at Crossing Rivers Hospital who provided exceptional care and support for Ross and family at the end of his life.
