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Wilbur

Wilbur Rossmiller

d. December 25, 2012

Obituary for Wilbur E. Rossmiller

Long time Durango resident Wilbur Rossmiller died of heart failure early Christmas morning December 25, 2012, at the age of 89.

Mr. Rossmiller was born June 16, 1923, on a farm near Hebron, Neb. He was the tenth of twelve children born to Fred and Mary Rossmiller, and grew up in the company of eight sisters and one brother.

He left Chester after high school to join the army at the end of WWII and served as a staff sergeant. He returned home after the war and met his future wife Bonnie Schweitzer. They married on December 3, 1950, and made their home in Lincoln, Neb., where Mr. Rossmiller was employed by the university. They became the parents of three sons. In 1962 he was finally able to convince his wife that it would be much better to raise three active boys in the mountains of Colorado than in the city. So they sold their home, loaded a U-Haul and moved west. They lived in Cortez and Dolores for a short time, but finally settled in Durango in 1968 and never left.

Mr. Rossmiller worked in construction for many years and eventually devoted his time to selling and repairing garage doors and openers, and continued in that business until retirement.

Mr. Rossmiller was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church for more than forty years. Pastor John called him his "wizard" because of his ability to repair anything quickly and efficiently. He often devoted his time and talent to the church and was pleased to offer his assistance in any way he could.

He was a good friend to everyone and his cheerful attitude throughout his illness endeared him to his caregivers and everyone he came in contact with. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight sisters, and three brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bonnie Rossmiller, of Durango; his three sons: Mark of Leicestershire, England, Scott and his wife Yvonne of Hilliard, Ohio, and Chris of Martinez, Calif.; two grandchildren: Ann Katherine of Hilliard, Ohio, and Robin John of Leicestershire, England; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Rossmiller was cremated, and his ashes will be interred in the Christ the King columbarium. A memorial service will be held on the occasion of his 90th birthday in June, 2013. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alpine Hospice or Durango Food Bank would be appreciated.
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