Roman Rossmeisl

On January 26th, 1943 the world became a better place. For on that day, in the town of St. Cloud, Minnesota a little baby boy was born to Gertrude Rossmeisl and her husband Roman Joseph. They named their new little treasure—a treasure to the world—Roman Walter Rossmeisl.

Roman Walter had the distinct pleasure of being the youngest of seven children. His older sisters and brothers Jeanette, Robert, Eugene, Joyce, Mary Ann, and Andrew were all there to dote on their little bright-blonde brother and watch him grow up. Somewhere along the way someone began to call him Junior, and the name stuck. In the small hamlet of Eden Vally Minnesota where he was raised, he was known as Junior to the entire community, even to the end.

As Roman’s older sisters and brothers filtered out of the home, he began to help keep the local family bar—the beloved Corner Bar—that sat kitty-corner from the Rossmeisl household. He was all of 11 years old. He’d load coal, wash glasses and be sure the patrons (all of whom were much his senior) were well attended. No doubt it was in this environment, coupled with the known wit of his siblings, where he began to develop his knack for snappy one-liners and good-natured humor. It’s also where he began a life of humble service to his fellow humans.

Roman wasn’t content to be always behind the bar or washing glasses. His true passion in those early years was for the outdoors, a passion that he would nurture his entire life. As he grew, he took to the fields, forests, glens, meadows, lakes and streams in the rolling hillocks of central Minnesota. As he rambled, waded and trudged through nature, he developed a deep and abiding respect and appreciation for God’s Creation. If he could, he’d go with family—sometimes dad and brothers, sometimes with beloved nephews. At any rate, with his trusty hunting dog Sport at his side, any adventure was within reach. It also meant, throughout high school, there was absolutely no time for girls. Rumor has it that his love for hunting and fishing caused him to be truant for a high school award ceremony where he was meant to receive the American Legion Good Citizenship Award. When they called his name, he was nowhere to be found. He was an active and engaged student, so teachers and administration were willing to overlook such absences.

After high school, Roman went to college at St. John’s University, where he happened to “fall into” the Natural Sciences. According to him, one thing simply led to another, and he transferred to the University of Minnesota Dental Program. More studies meant less time hunting and fishing, but it also meant more time for girls. A certain elegant woman, Irene Ruhland, caught his eye at the Assumption Catholic Church in Eden Valley, due to her poise and class. How he didn’t notice her before (they sat next to each other in nearly every class since the beginning of elementary school) we will never know. It was in God’s plan that they should fall in love, for she began to catch weekly rides with him to and from Minneapolis, where she was working and he went to school. God’s plan worked, as it always does, and romance blossomed.

Roman joined the Air Force and his first station was in Thule, Greenland. He was convinced that such an arctic placement was because he was a Minnesota boy and the government knew he could handle the cold. What better place for an outdoorsy young man to cut his teeth on the world! In 1970 Roman and Irene married—the beginning of a 56-year union so full of God and love that it was indeed a match made in heaven.

As Roman honed his skills as the World’s Best Dentist, Irene worked with him to create a house so warm and full of love that its equal was hard to find anywhere. Really, anywhere. They moved throughout the United States and lived in Japan, thoroughly enjoying the adventure and opportunities provided by the Air Force lifestyle. They bestowed their sense of curiosity, their willingness to explore, and their awe of nature onto their three children, Roman, Richard, and Robyn.

Throughout their travels, Roman fell in love with Alaska and Irene fell in love with California. When it was time for Roman to retire from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel, they compromised and moved to Washington State. Now an endodontist, Roman joined the practice of Dr. Scott Williams as an associate. What a gift to the dental world! Together, and through serious consultations over the “Disc of Wisdom,” they dedicated their professional lives to easing the pain of their patients and ensuring their health.

Roman was a top-notch endodontist, but his service to people extended beyond the dental chair, and even beyond his career in the armed forces. He had a spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy. Sometimes this presented itself in an organized way, such as his membership in the Knights of Columbus. But often it was expressed in the way he simply volunteered himself. He was always the first to step up and help someone in need—whether they were simply struggling to open a door or had a serious medical emergency. He was the first to sacrifice his own comfort for someone else’s betterment. Slow to complain. Gifted with indefatigable optimism. Kind. Common-sensical. Humble. Witty. Bursting with integrity. Faith-filled. His very presence was a service to those around him.

His greatest gift to give was his very own self—and that was something he always poured out—his time and resources, his love and wisdom.

The world changed when he was born on January 26th, 1943. And it changed again when he passed on October 7th, 2026. God took him quickly, and for that we are grateful. But we miss him and the goodness that he was.

Being the youngest of seven children, he had the bitter distinction of being preceded in death by his parents, Roman Joseph and Gertrude Rossmeisl (née Nett), his sister Jeaneatte and brother-in-law William Kidd, brother Robert and sister-in-law Muriel, brother Eugene, sister Joyce and brother-in-law Jack McCann, sister Mary Ann, brother Andrew, and grandchild Elizabeth.

He is survived by his wife Irene Rossmeisl, his son Roman James and his son’s wife Rebecca Dawn (née Roberts), son Richard Thomas, daughter Robyn Marie, his adoring grandchildren Jordyn, Roman, Jade, Ryan, McKenzie, and Logan, his brother-in-law John Erdmann and sister-in-law Pat Rossmeisl, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

The depth of our sorrow reflects the strength of our love. It was a blessing from God to have Roman in our lives. He would consider it a blessing that you are helping celebrate his phenomenal life!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Knights of Columbus or your favorite charity.

Another funeral mass and the burial will take place in Eden Valley, Minnesota.