Joey Ross

Gerald Joseph Ross – “Joey”, 55, of Marathon, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family under Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Joey was born on August 1, 1969, in San Bernardino, California, to Gerald Lee Ross and Annalee (Hopkins) & Gerald Ryen. He was raised in San Bernardino, where he attended San Bernardino High School, making memories with his siblings Julie and Robert (both deceased), and his cousin Kevin (also deceased).

On November 14, 2010, Joey married the love of his life, June (Rickert) Ross, at A Special Memory Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their love story began in the early days of social networking on myYearbook, starting with a simple high five and a gold star—and from that spark, a beautiful life together unfolded.

Joey lived in California, Nevada, and eventually settled in Wisconsin, where he embraced a quieter life centered on family, faith, and humor. He had a quick wit and a talent for making people laugh—whether it was tricking his wife while shopping for wedding rings on the Vegas strip or being so loud in the Walmart toy section that June could hear him from the grocery aisle.

He loved old TV shows like The Rockford Files, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Brady Bunch, and was a self-declared champion of “useless trivia.” Though he claimed sports were for “real men,” Joey's true passions were cooking, playing with his kids, and studying the Bible. He cherished simple moments—ice fishing with Brandon, racing down a giraffe feeding ramp with his kids, and the memorable day a state trooper pulled over to witness his very pregnant wife changing a tire while Joey stood by with a grin, still puzzling over how to use the jack.

Joey is survived by his beloved wife, June Ross; and children, Jordyn Rickert and Gracie and Isaiah Ross, all of Marathon. He is further survived by stepchildren, Derick Rickert (Shawano), Chelsea Shields (Wausau), and Zachary (Mel Olmeda) Shields (Neenah). He leaves behind cherished step-grandchildren: Azaylia and Amelia Allhands (Wausau) and Reece "Ralphy" Shields (Neenah).

He is further survived by his mother Annalee (Hopkins) Ryen; stepfather, Gerald Ryen; his longtime friend, Arthur Appel, and many other friends and extended family.

Joey was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Lee Ross; siblings, Julie and Robert Ross; Aunt, Toni, and Cousin, Kevin.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank Aspirus Hospice and Wausau Manor, whose care and compassion supported him and his family in his final days.

As a man of faith, Joey held tightly to the words of John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Joey's laughter, love, and loyalty will live on in the stories told, the memories shared, and the faith he carried with him to the end.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the Ross family with arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook at www.ascendweston.org.