Donald R Rossum

Donald Robert Rossum went with peace and joy into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus on October 15, 2023. He was born in Wahpeton, North Dakota on May 6, 1936 to Cliff and Erna (Hartleben) Rossum and was 87 at the time of his death.

He moved to Grand Junction with his family in September of 1950. Graduating from Grand Junction High School in 1954 he later met and married his beautiful, loving wife Janice (Canfield) on December 27th, 1956. They were married for 61 years before she passed away in 2018.

Don and Jan were the devoted parents of two children; Vicki (Mario) and David (Amanda)-four grandchildren-Scott (Donna), Shayne (Jessie), Shawn (Brittaney), and Andrew (Makayla); nine great grandchildren; Murphie, Courtlon, Faye, Zowie, Sebastian, Rebecca, Sawyer, Sutton and Betty. Also surviving him are his beloved sisters Helen (Dan), Elaine (Will) and many precious nieces and nephews.

Don was proud to join the army in 1958 and upon completion of his basic training was stationed in Germany. In 1960 he returned home with an SP4 rank just in time for the birth of his first child and was then able to serve his remaining two years in the army reserves.

Following in the steps of his father Don worked for Colorado Printing Company honing his craft and becoming a master pressman during his career there. He retired from CPC but decided to return to the profession he knew so well and spent the last few years before complete retirement at Pyramid Printing Company.

A gentle soul who loved to laugh we were so blessed to be loved by Don. His quiet strength and guidance were invaluable to his family. He shared his enjoyment of motorcycle riding and cars from the 50's and 60's with us giving our family so many beautiful, cherished memories. Always appreciating a good football game he was a true-if somewhat frustrated-fan of the Denver Broncos. When not pursuing these other pastimes he could often be seen riding his bike around the neighborhood. Some of Don's other favorite things included his wife's meatloaf, dark chocolate, black licorice, lemon drops from Enstrom's and banana bread. He especially appreciated relaxing on the deck at the end of the day, watching the planes take off and land, occasionally enhancing the experience with a cocktail.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jan; his parents, brothers Ken & Ray and sister Donna. Also preceding him in death was his close friend Denis Brady.

Military services for Don will be held at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery on May 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. so that all of his family and friends will be able to attend. A reminder of this information will be reprinted in the Daily Sentinel closer to the time of the actual services.

A special thank you to our family friend Andrea for all her love and support.

In lieu of any contribution to the family please consider a donation to Hopewest of the Grand Valley. Their loving care and dedication is incomparably priceless.