John Ralph Rossier, 86, of Rapid City, SD passed over to the other side, Monday, February 27, 2012. A graveside funeral service will be Monday, March 5, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City with Rev. Herb Cleveland officiating. A visitation will take place ½ hour prior to the services at the cemetery. A reception will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Minneluzahan Senior Center in Rapid City.

John was born December 14, 1925 to Ollie and Thelma (Ehrhardt) Rossier in Council Bluffs, IA.

At the age of 2 he and his family moved to Rapid City. John attended elementary and high school in Rapid City. In 1944 he was drafted in the Navy and served on San Saba, a flagship in the South Pacific during World War II. John was honorably discharged in 1946.

In 1947 he enrolled in college and became a neon engineer. John was an expert neon sign bender for 65 years. After semi-retiring he became a neon sign consultant.

John loved golf, bowling and being part of the Mineluzahan Senior Center. He competed in senior olympics winning many medals for swimming and other events.

John was healthy and strong up until a year ago when diagnosed with heart failure. He had a zest for life right up to the end and even bowled a 217 three days before he passed.

He is survived by daughter; Sherry Rossier-Watson of Seattle, WA; 8 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and a son, Timothy John Rossier in 2004.

A memorial has been established to the Minneluzahan Senior Center in Rapid City.

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