Gary "Arlen" Rossow

Gary “Arlen” Rossow, of Montevideo, formerly of Windom, MN, died Friday, May 13, 2022 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN at the age of 82.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Pastor Jeff Fitzkappes officiating.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 24, 2022 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Anderson – TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Arrangements are with Anderson – TeBeest Funeral Home of Montevideo.

Gary Arlen Rossow (Bobcat) was born September 23, 1939, in Beresford, SD the son of Rueben and Marion (McNab) Rossow.  He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith.  Arlen attended and graduated from Brewster High School in 1958. Arlen then worked at Toro of Windom, MN where he met the love of his life, Adaline “Adie” Anderson. They were united in marriage on June 11, 1960, in Westbrook, MN.  They made their home in Windom. In 1966, Arlen enrolled in and attended Worthington State Junior College of Worthington, MN, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree and played football. He then went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and health from Mankato State College in Mankato, MN, graduating in 1970. During this four-year period, he continued working at Toro and at the Windom schools as an assistant janitor.  Following his graduation, Arlen taught physical education and health for over 30 years in the Windom Public Schools.  He coached Varsity Girls Softball for many years. He was also a junior high school football and wrestling coach. Arlen also officiated numerous sports including football, baseball, softball, and track.

Arlen loved animals. He raised many different types of animals, including horses, dogs (including Luke and Kuwa), sheep, rabbits, pigeons, and some exotic birds. Arlen had a great love for the outdoors, where he enjoyed hunting (rifle, shotgun, bow and black powder), trapping, and fishing.  With his passion for hunting and fishing came his involvement in many clubs: Pheasants Forever, Deer Hunters Association, Minnesota Trappers Association, Sun Valley Gun Club and Ducks Unlimited.  He was a member of Lions Club International, MEA, Minnesota State Coaches Association, and The American Quarter Horse Association.  Arlen was an active member at the American Lutheran Church in Windom, MN and most recently Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo.

In his free time Arlen enjoyed wood carving, bird watching, and following the many Minnesota sports teams including the Vikings, Twins, Wild, Gophers, Gustavus Gusties, Montevideo Thunderhawks, Stevens Raiders, and Windom Eagles. Throughout his life, Arlen enjoyed camping, playing slow pitch softball, trap shooting, archery, and attending the weekly Windom hay sales, where he was known as Dr. Rossow.  He loved nothing more than caring for Adie and being involved with his children and five grandchildren’s activities over the years, both in Montevideo and Rapid City, SD. He was a very proud father and grandfather.

After 20 years of participation, Arlen obtained one of his prized accomplishments, when he won the 2020 – 2021 BDFL (Bruce Douglas Fantasy Football League) championship with his team “Warriors”.  Most of all Arlen enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and will be missed dearly by many especially those who enjoyed hearing bad jokes.

He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Adie; children, Shaun (Angela) Rossow of Black Hawk, SD, and Marree (Dan) Douglas of Montevideo, MN; grandchildren, Jayme and Cooper Rossow, and Jake (Idee), Isaac and Kori Douglas; and other extended family and friends.

Arlen was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Carol (Jim) Hanson.